Building the Future of Our Local Workforce

The Work Natchitoches Summit is an immersive career exploration experience designed to engage 11th grade students across Natchitoches Parish. The event connects students directly with local employers in an interactive setting that highlights real-world career opportunities available right here in our community. Through meaningful conversations and hands-on exposure, students will gain insight into local industries, workplace expectations, and the diverse paths available to them after graduation, helping build a stronger and more informed future workforce.

Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 8:30 am to 1:30 pm
Location: NSU Student Union

2026 Impact at a Glance

Student feedback shows the Work Natchitoches Summit is making a real difference.

91%

of students found the event valuable

85%

of students said the event influenced their future plans

76%

of students expressed interest in internships or apprenticeships

65%

of students believe they connected with a potential future employer

Real Outcomes, Real Impact

“This experience helped me realize there are more opportunities out there than I thought. I met new people and left with a more open mind about different career paths.”

— Mykennedra, NCHS

Two students were hired directly following the event, demonstrating the immediate value of connecting students with local employers.

Students engaging with employers at the Work Natchitoches Summit

Event Highlights

The 2026 Work Natchitoches Summit gave students the opportunity to connect with employers, explore career pathways, and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available right here in Natchitoches Parish.

Direct Engagement
with Local Employers

Students connected directly with local businesses to ask questions, hear real career stories, and learn what employers value in future talent.

Career Pathways Sessions

Focused sessions highlighted entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality—offering real-world insights and opportunities.

Clear Takeaways for
Future Planning

Students left with a clearer understanding of local career options and how employer connections can lead to internships and work-based learning opportunities.

Employer Information

Employer participation is the driving force behind the Work Natchitoches Summit and plays a critical role in shaping the future of our local workforce. This event is designed to facilitate meaningful employer and student connections in a structured setting, giving you the opportunity to introduce your organization, share what you look for in future employees, and begin building relationships with the next generation of talent. By participating, you help strengthen the local talent pipeline by increasing student awareness of the career opportunities available right here in Natchitoches Parish.

Booth fees are $150 per booth and include two lunches, one 8-foot rectangular banquet table, and two chairs. If more than two representatives plan to attend, additional lunches may be purchased for $18 per person.

2026 Participating Employers

A diverse group of local and regional employers participated in the Work Natchitoches Summit, representing a wide range of industries and career pathways available to students.

Air Evac Lifeteam
Arq, Inc.
Atmos Energy Corporation
BOM Bank
Bossier Parish Community College
City of Natchitoches
Engage Federal Credit Union
Louisiana Army National Guard

Louisiana State Police
Natchitoches Community Care Center
Natchitoches Fire Department
Natchitoches Parish Library
Natchitoches Parish Schools
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
Natchitoches Tourism

NSU Recruiting
NSU School of STEM
RoyOMartin Plywood
Shreveport Job Corporation
The Coordinating & Development Corporation
Three J Construction
Timber Ridge Adventure Park
United States Air Force

What’s Next: Strengthening Work-Based Learning

The Work Natchitoches Summit is designed to support long-term workforce development by helping employers connect with students earlier and more intentionally. Through Natchitoches Parish Schools’ Work-Based Learning program, businesses can continue building these connections beyond the event.

Step 1

Explore Work-Based Learning

Learn how WBL connects students with meaningful workplace experiences while helping employers build awareness of local career opportunities.

Step 2

Identify Student Opportunities

Consider ways your business can support students through internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, workplace tours, mentoring, or hands-on learning.

Step 3

Get Connected

Complete the employer interest form to begin the conversation and learn how your organization can support the next generation of local talent.

Learn More About WBL WBL Employer Interest Form