Dive Brief:

• Starting in the 2014-15 school year, Louisiana high school students can opt into the new Jump Start career-education program, which provides training and certification in 23 technical fields like plumbing and nurse assisting.  
• The program is being launched in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Acadiana area, and it requires those enrolled to take at least nine courses in their chosen field.  
• According to Education Superintendent John White, the program is an attempt to "dignify career education."

Dive Insight:

According to data released in July, 65 out of 70 public school districts plan to be a part of the Jump Start program. In fact, 300 high school and college educators convened for a July professional development session on the program so they can best prepare the students involved. We have a feeling Louisiana is not going to be alone in this venture and many other states will be looking to programs like this in the coming years. College is not for everyone, but that is not to say individuals should not strive for fulfilling and challenging careers. Programs like Jump Start give students another avenue for success. It's a smart move on Louisiana's part — one that will not only help the state's economy in the long run, but will build the self-esteem and general happiness of its young people.