Livingston Parish Chamber Education Initiatives
Chamber Education Initiatives: Connecting Students with Employers
For decades, the Livingston Parish Chamber has been proud to partner with Livingston Parish Public Schools in support of our Livingston Parish students and future workforce.
Through our education initiatives, thousands of students have benefited from the collective business community’s involvement facilitated through the Chamber, its Education Committee, and its members. What began as a scholarship program over 30 years ago has escalated into career exploration and mentorship for students.
And now, we are excited to take this partnership even further.
Together, we are launching Extern XP — a job-shadowing initiative designed to connect students with career experiences.
In its beta mode, job shadowing is in the works through the Chamber and LPPS. While larger employers have a set up and dedicated teams to engage students, smaller employers don't always have those resources. Enter the Chamber partnership to partner in launching and create awareness of the program for all size businesses / employers.
As suggested, students are matched with business leaders to shadow for an agreed upon time. This allows students to experience 10 - 20 hours in their industry of interest. As an added bonus, students are exposed to areas and careers that may not have been on their list.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
Contact the Chamber to let us know your area of interest. We can add you to our communications list and provide further information on the steps you can take to host a student.
By leveraging the Chamber’s existing business platform, which includes over 500 local employers, students will be able to explore career paths and gain hands-on insight into various industries.
The Chamber will provide a simple “How-To Guide” to help you list your externship (job shadowing) opportunities on our site, where students can explore available positions and learn about your organization.
Thanks to the our Education Sponsors & Partners
Student Career Conference
The Student Career Conference connects business and students through a half day conference. The conference focuses on 3 main areas that are delivered through local business mentors. Finding the right job / career, team building and ethics in the workplace are break out sessions of the day.
Started in 2015, we have interacted with over 1000 students and provided them valuable information on career choices. Whether they chose to continue their education or enter the workforce directly after graduation, they are better equipped for future endeavors.
The conference achieves the following objectives:
- Provides students an overview of soft skills employers seek.
- Promotes all career paths to students.
- Connects students to business leaders.
- Offers opportunities here in our parish.
Leadership Livingston Projects with LPPS
Shoes for Students - Project team members provided shoes to students following the 2016 flood.
The Pupil Appraisal Center in Livingston lacked a proper outdoor area to appraise children who are usually 5 and under. The project created a new cover and outdoor space for the facility.
Curbside Cafe - You may have seen the "Curbside Cafe" that is part of the Pro Start program in high schools. The specialized trailer was provided by a project group.
Maurepas School had several items on their wish list completed thanks to the project. New monitors, a sensory path for younger students, upgrades to the outdoor area, seating and other areas were addressed by this project team.
Common Cents for Students brought the Dave Ramsey Program to Walker High School. Students received instruction on money management.
More projects on the way - Projects that enhance our local schools are a popular project choice. We will continue to partner as the need arises.
History of the Chamber's Education Initiatives
For over 30 years, the Livingston Parish Chamber has engaged in local education initiatives. The scholarship program is the most recognized where over $100,000 in scholarships were awarded to local students through the generosity of chamber members. In 2015, the education initiatives expanded by offering a student conference aligning student with career options. Today’s workplace is evolving fast, and strong ties between businesses and education are essential.
Advancing the Economy in Livingston Parish
Education and infrastructure power Livingston Parish economic growth, and the Chamber is all in. Our staff and volunteers work to raise awareness and spark engagement. Chambers of Commerce excel at bridging businesses and schools—and we’re proud to lead this effort locally.
How We Fund Education Programs
Our Student Career Programming thrives thanks to business community support. Chamber members fund all administrative costs, ensuring the program’s success. Joining the Livingston Parish Chamber means investing in your business and our community’s future.
How Can I Get Involved?
If you are not already, join the Chamber. No where does your investment in your business and the local economy have a greater return. You'll be on the first to know list as we advance these initiatives. To engage more, consider serving on the Education Committee. The outline and requirements to serve are available through our office. You can also set up an exploration call to learn more.