IGNITE High School Showcase Helps New Orleans Families Plan for Bright Futures

Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans (JA) was proud to partner with NOLA Public Schools for the IGNITE High School Showcase, an event designed to help middle school students and their families explore the full range of high school options across the city. Held on November 1, 2025, at the Milne Recreation Center Gymnasium, the showcase brought together every New Orleans public high school under one roof, providing a one-stop opportunity for families to discover the pathways that can shape their children’s futures.

Throughout the day, students connected directly with high school representatives to learn about college-prep programs, Dual Enrollment opportunities, and Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Whether a student was interested in engineering, business, health sciences, the arts, or early college credit, the IGNITE Showcase offered clear guidance on how to turn those interests into actionable high school plans.

This early career exposure is especially important in Orleans Parish, where high school choices are closely tied to long-term academic and career opportunities. Middle school is a pivotal moment: students begin to discover what excites them, what they’re good at, and what possibilities exist beyond the traditional classroom. JA introduces young people to a wide range of career pathways before they enter high school, and the IGNITE Showcase helps them make intentional decisions that align their interests, emerging skills, and future goals. The more they understand the world of work, the more empowered they are to choose a school and pathway that truly fits.

As a partner in this citywide effort, JA provided families with tools to better understand how academic choices align with career goals, reinforcing our shared mission to ensure that every young person has access to opportunity—no matter their background or circumstances.

The atmosphere was energetic and hopeful as families filled the Milne Center, asking questions, gathering materials, and imagining the possibilities ahead. By bringing together schools, partners, and community resources in one accessible space, the IGNITE Showcase continues to break down barriers and empower students to make informed decisions about their futures.

Families who attended were encouraged to take the next step by applying for the upcoming school year during the main round enrollment period, which opened in November. With stronger connections and clearer pathways, New Orleans students are better prepared than ever to chart a course toward confidence, choice, and long-term success.