New Orleans Job Corps Center Administrative Director Michael Fernandez and BCL Randy Savoie recently attended a White House Council of Community Solutions breakfast hosted by Tulane University President Dr. Scott Cowen in downtown New Orleans.

Dr. Cowen has been appointed by President Obama to the White House Council for Community Solutions, a group whose initial work is focused on the issue of disengaged youth – young people ages 16-24 who are not in school and not employed but are not considered “chronically distressed.”

“The first major goal of this committee is to support a national framework whereby communities have sustainable initiatives that connect youth with success in education, credentialing and employment, but I need your help in understanding this issue better,” Dr. Cowen told the group.

 “As potential employers and businesses, you are the leaders of our community and the source of job placement for our youth.  Understanding your experiences around the issue of engaging youth in meaningful employment will provide me with the insight I need to develop a strong message to deliver back to the White House.”

Three cities have been selected to host listening tours to better understand the issues facing disengaged youth, the programs that support them, and potential employers and businesses.   New Orleans is fortunate to be joining Cincinnati and San Francisco as one of these cities.