Civic Engagement Beyond the Ballot Box

Connecting Talent to Opportunity

Voting isn't the only way people help build a city. Opelousas has always grown because of the hard work of teachers, service workers, city employees, business owners, and skilled tradespeople. To keep growing, we need to invest in young people, older adults, and communities that have been overlooked, through job training, mentorship, better schools, and public spaces. We also need to protect longtime residents from being priced out as the city grows, after decades of the city not investing enough in these communities. Growing our city and preserving our legacy means connecting talent to opportunity.

• OUR APPROACH:

  • Support young people, older adults, and communities that need it most.

  • Improve schools across the city.

    • Fully fund and staff the city's Community Outreach Department and Capabilities

    • Expand Parks and Recreation extracurricular programs and park infrastructure

    • Develop and Expand access to in-school and out-of-school science, arts, music, language, humanities, and athletic opportunities at the elementary and high school level through summer and year-round A.I.M. Academies (Arts, Industry, Medical Academies)

    • Guarantee Universal Early Education by supporting our City’s public Early Learning Center and Head Start Program

    • Partner with St. Landry Parish schools, parish government, and local non-profit organizations to expand support for students and families

  • Create Comprehensive Employment, Career Pathways, Mentorship, and Internship Opportunities for Youth and Young Adults.

    • Develop apprenticeship and summer internship programs across city departments

    • Create coordinated, data-driven education-to-career pathways across City agencies and partners.

    • Expand paid employment, apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships in high growth industries

    • Connect disengaged youth to education, training, and employment through targeted outreach and coordinated re-engagement services.

    • Provide structured mentorship and wraparound supports to improve engagement, persistence, and long-term outcomes for youth and young adults through age 24.

  • Ensure that Older Adults Can Age with Dignity, Independence, and Security.

    • Improve access to coordinated, home and community-based services for older adults

    • Improve housing stability and financial security for older adults.

    • Develop Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities to address elderly health and quality of life.

    • Strengthen intergenerational engagement and digital inclusion.

How We'll Measure Success

• Percent of Opelousas students reading at grade level by grade three (per state and federal standards).

• Number of quality early childhood seats funded by city and strategic partners.

• Percent of Youth Ages 16–24 not in school or working.

• Number of youth placed in paid jobs, apprenticeships, or training programs each year

• Percent of legacy homeowners contacted and remain in their homes

• Building summer A.I.M Academies (Arts, Industry, and Medicine)

• Number of households served by City Outreach programs and services