Setting Sail for the Future
For generations, the maritime industry has powered the economy of Southeast Louisiana. From the Port of New Orleans and inland waterways to shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing, maritime careers have shaped our region's identity. Now, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans is helping the next generation discover the opportunities waiting within this vital industry.
This spring, JA officially launched the JA Maritime pilot program, an innovative workforce development initiative introducing students to maritime, submarine, and advanced manufacturing careers through engaging, hands-on learning experiences beginning as early as kindergarten. Developed by Junior Achievement of Southwest New England, the curriculum is now being piloted in Greater New Orleans and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, connecting classroom learning with real-world career pathways that are essential to our region's future.
Students at Luling Elementary in St. Charles Parish, Pontchartrain Elementary in St. Tammany Parish, and Edward Hynes Charter School Lakeview in Orleans Parish have participated in the first classroom experiences. The pilot also expanded into six Boys & Girls Club summer camps along the Mississippi Gulf Coast this summer, giving even more young people an opportunity to explore the industry through age-appropriate activities and career exploration.
The launch builds on JA's growing efforts to expose students to high-demand careers. Earlier this year, approximately 2,000 Orleans Parish ninth graders attending the YouthForce NOLA + Junior Achievement Career Expo explored maritime careers alongside representatives from Blessey Marine Services, Inc., Associated Terminals, We Work the Waterways, the Port of New Orleans, AccuTRANS, Inc., Bollinger Shipyards, Mediterranean Shipping Company, and other industry partners.
"The Greater New Orleans region has always been a maritime community at heart—the river, the port, and the shipyards are woven into the fabric of who we are," said Larry Washington, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans. "JA Maritime gives our students the opportunity to see themselves in those industries and to understand the incredible career pathways that are right here in their own backyard."
Looking ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, JA will continue expanding maritime career-connected learning through classroom experiences, industry speakers, career fairs, job shadowing opportunities, workplace visits, and partnerships with Nunez Community College, Delgado Community College, LSU New Orleans (formerly the University of New Orleans) , and regional employers. Together, these experiences will help students build awareness of the rewarding careers that keep our ports, waterways, and manufacturing industries moving.
As Junior Achievement continues preparing young people for successful futures, JA Maritime represents another exciting step in connecting education with opportunity, helping students discover that some of the most promising careers in the country may be found right here at home. To request a JA Maritime program for your class or school, visit https://www.jagno.org/request-a-program.