October 14–15, 2026 Empowerment & Policy Conference and Gala at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center View details

Our

Programs

We help Louisiana families start school ready, develop their careers, stay healthy, and build generational wealth.

We work with the entire household, cradle to career, connecting people to health, education, entrepreneurship, and career services. Each program is part of a wider framework - one that's built for families, not just individuals.

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Programs & Impact

Programs that meet families across every stage of life.

Clarence L. Barney Head Start classroom

Early Childhood

Clarence L. Barney Head Start Center

Laying the foundation for lifelong learning through high-quality early care and education, the Clarence L. Barney Head Start Center provides children ages birth to 5-years with a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports school readiness and healthy development. By partnering with families and delivering comprehensive early childhood education and family support services, we help children build the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

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Project Ready scholars

Youth · College & Career

Project Ready College/Career Preparation

Recognizing that our children are tomorrow's leaders and each deserves all the necessary tools to thrive and succeed, Project Ready provides Louisiana high school youth with a spectrum of supports, services, and opportunities beyond their classrooms. Through academic enrichment, college and career readiness, leadership development, and hands-on STEM experiences, students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue postsecondary education, meaningful career, and lifelong success.

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Youth and education program artwork

Parents · Leadership

PRIDE Leadership Academy

Believing that informed and empowered parents are essential to student success, the PRIDE (Parents Ready to be Involved to Deliver Excellence) Leadership Academy equips parents and caregivers with the knowledge, advocacy skills, and networks needed to navigate today's education system. Through leadership development, education policy training, and peer learning, parents become effective advocates for their children and champions of equitable, high-quality education in their communities.

Small group coaching session

Parents · Caregivers

Family Information and Resources

Because families make the best decisions when they have access to clear, reliable information, our Parent Information Center connects parents and caregivers with the tools they need to navigate their children's educational journey. From early childhood education options to citywide high school choices, families can access trusted guidance and resources to make informed decisions that support their children's success.

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SE Louisiana · SBA

Women's Business Resource Center

As an SBA Resource Partner, the Women's Business Resource Center (WBRC) believes that women entrepreneurs are catalysts for economic growth and stronger communities. The WBRC provides small-business development services including business education workshops and interactive trainings, hands-on technical assistance, and access to resources relevant to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs throughout southeastern Louisiana.

This program is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Center provides equal access to its services without regard to a person's race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or religion.

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Contractors · DBE

Contractor's Resource Center

Recognizing that contractors and construction businesses play a vital role in building strong communities, the Contractors Resource Center (CRC) works to provide resources to small, disadvantaged business enterprise certified, minority, and women-owned contracting firms. We help contractors strengthen their businesses, expand capacity, and successfully compete for public and private sector projects.

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Startup Education

Start Up! Louisiana

This series provides best practices for how to build a solid business foundation that ensures success. Topics covered focus on developing your entrepreneurial mindset, starting lean, understanding business financials, as well as how to effectively market to target customers. Participants also receive individual business counseling and access to other support services and resources needed to successfully launch.

Business collaboration and planning session

Growth Education

Scale Up! Louisiana

Created to help established small businesses reach their next stage of growth, Scale Up! Louisiana is a statewide, community-based, entrepreneurial education intensive that provides early-stage firms with the education and resources needed for scalability and profitability.

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Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships

The Urban League of Louisiana and Skill Up Louisiana's multi-industry apprenticeship programs offer a comprehensive and dynamic apprenticeship program that spans multiple industries. Our apprenticeships are designed to provide individuals with the practical skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving job market. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a career changer, or someone looking to enhance your existing skills, our apprenticeship programs are the perfect opportunity to launch a successful career in a variety of industries.

Career coaching and guidance session

Career Seekers

Career Seeker Resources

Urban League of Louisiana's Workforce Development provides Career Pathways Program, Career & Resource Expos, and Adult & Youth Reentry Programs to connect career seekers to gainful employment.

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Employers

Employer Resources

Urban League of Louisiana's Workforce Development provides customized training designed to strengthen recruitment efforts and increase employee morale and productivity through pre-employment workshops, which are designed to infuse the professional culture of an employer's company, with the intent to pre-screen potential candidates to fill vacant positions. The program also offers employers professional services such as employee assessments including behavior, skills, capacities and values assessments.

SkillUp LA career seeker

Placement Services

SkillUpLA

The SkillUp LA program helps participants understand their strengths, prepares participants with professionalism, equips participants with specialized skills and connects those seeking a career with potential employers.

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Our programs are made possible by

U.S. SBA LADOTD Total Comm. Action LA Dept. of Ed. The Data Center + 40 More

For Generations