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LACOMBE, LA — Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC), in partnership with Tri-Parish Works, successfully concluded the Sixth Annual Summer Career Academy, providing local youth with invaluable hands-on workforce exposure, career readiness training, and direct engagement with regional industry leaders.
The multi-week academy culminated in a celebratory completion ceremony on Thursday, July 16, 2026 recognizing each student’s hard work and achievements. Filled with words of inspiration and encouragement, the event marked a key milestone as participants prepare to embark on the next steps of their educational and professional journeys.
Designed to connect students aged 17 to 24 with high-demand career pathways, the multi-week academy combined foundational workforce skill-building at NTCC with immersive site visits and interactive industry demonstrations. Students explored a diverse spectrum of fields—including health sciences, engineering technology, public safety, skilled trades, and business administration—and earned valuable, industry-based credentials such as Starrett Precision Measuring Instruments, OSHA Forklift Operator Safety Certification, and CPR.
"When I graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to go to college, but I really did not understand what career opportunities were available, or which path was right for me. That experience stayed with me throughout my career and ultimately inspired the creation of NTCC's Career Exploration Academy. I wanted to give students the opportunity that most people never had—the chance to explore different careers, discover their interests, and make informed decisions about their future before choosing a college or career path," said Dr. Jim Carlson, NTCC Chancellor. "At Northshore Technical Community College, our mission is to develop talent and create pathways to economic mobility. The Summer Career Academy helps young people see what's possible while building confidence, practical skills, and connections with local employers. We are incredibly proud of this year's participants and deeply grateful to our business and community partners for investing in the next generation of our workforce."
Throughout the academy, students gained direct access to industry professionals, learning firsthand about salary expectations, required certifications, daily workplace operations, and strategies for overcoming career barriers.
This year’s program was made possible through strong collaboration with key business, healthcare, municipal, and civic organizations. Key partners and guest presenters supporting the 2026 academy included: NTCC’s Hammond Area and Florida Parishes Campuses, Intralox, Ampiricle, St. Tammany Hospital, Florida Marine Transportation, WDSU, Southeastern. A few Lunch-and-Learns included the Fire Department, Slidell Police Department, NAMI, Prime Lending, Pizza Platoon owner, Nola Grill owner, Textron, and Slidell Memorial Hospital.
“The Summer Career Academy demonstrates what is possible when education, business, and workforce development come together with a shared commitment to the future of our youth," said Suzanne Torregano, Executive Director of Tri-Parish Works. "At Tri-Parish Works, our mission is to connect individuals with meaningful career opportunities while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need to thrive. Through this partnership with Northshore Technical Community College and our regional employers, these young adults gained hands-on experience, earned valuable industry credentials, and discovered career pathways that exist right here in our region. We are proud to invest in programs that prepare the next generation for highdemand, high-wage careers and strengthen the economic future of St. Tammany, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes.”
As students complete the academy, NTCC encourages participants and area residents to take the next step in their academic and professional journeys. Enrollment is currently open for the upcoming Fall 2026 semester.
