In New Orleans, the journey from high school to a high-wage, high-demand career was riddled with obstacles. Despite a strong network of schools and workforce programs, a fragmented data system made it nearly impossible to track student progress, measure outcomes, or ensure resources were going where they were needed most. Without comprehensive, accessible data, YouthForce NOLA and its partners were working with limited visibility, making it difficult to address systemic equity gaps in education and career pathways.
Determined to change the game, YouthForce NOLA focused on increasing data capacity to promote more effective, equitable workforce development. With guidance from the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC), the organization enhanced its ability to collect, analyze, and share labor market information (LMI)—a critical step toward creating data-driven solutions for New Orleans students.
“When I first started, one thing in particular that was helpful was the supply chain mapping exercise where we talked through key questions: Who’s the data producer? What are they? What do they produce? Who uses it? Having an understanding of our own ecosystem will allow us to conduct further longitudinal employment analysis.”- Alicia Dagostino, YouthForce NOLA
Through a series of technical assistance (TA) sessions, YouthForce NOLA staff honed their data strategy, governance, and analysis skills. Leaders like Simon Spadaro-Bliss and David Shepard gained the confidence to optimize internal data use, advocate for better policies, and form research partnerships that would help track student success long after high school. A pivotal moment came with the passage of Louisiana Act 567, which allowed state education agencies to link education records with employment data through age 26—an advancement that could transform how career success is measured in the region.
As Alicia Dagostino, Director of Impact Evaluation, took the reins in driving this work forward, her focus shifted to forming a university partnership that would analyze postsecondary outcomes, internships, and credential attainment. With a stronger data infrastructure, a growing network of collaborators, and a deepened understanding of their ecosystem, YouthForce NOLA is now poised to reshape career pathways for New Orleans students—using data not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for lasting change.
Learn more about YouthForce NOLA here.