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Contact:
Meghan Langley
Brand & Marketing Manager
meg@sonofasaint.org
504-408-6154
Son of a Saint, GNO Inc. Creates Career Launchpad Pre-Internship Program to Prepare Young Men for In-Demand Careers
Son of a Saint connects mentees with training and career exploration across high-demand industries
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(Credit: Son of a Saint)
NEW ORLEANS (Summer 2026) – Son of a Saint, in partnership with Greater New Orleans, Inc., has created the Career Launchpad Pre-Internship Program, a four-week workforce development initiative that provides young men with hands-on technical training, industry exposure, and career mentorship before they become eligible for traditional internships.
Developed to strengthen the connection between education and employment, the program introduces Son of a Saint mentees to careers in the skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, and aviation through partnerships with New Orleans Career Center (NOCC) and Nunez Community College.
"Our goal is to ensure every young man we serve has access to opportunities that expand his vision for the future," said Bivian "Sonny" Lee III, Founder and CEO of Son of a Saint. "Career Launchpad gives our mentees the chance to build valuable technical skills, connect with industry professionals, and gain the confidence needed to pursue careers that can change the trajectory of their lives.”
During the first two weeks, participants attend classes Monday through Thursday at New Orleans Career Center, where they receive instruction in Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) disciplines, including carpentry, electrical work, HVAC, welding and engineering. On Fridays, mentees visit regional employers to observe how those skills are applied in professional settings and to learn about career opportunities firsthand.
"Employers are looking for more young people prepared to enter construction and other skilled careers," said Carlin Jacobs, Chief Programs Officer at New Orleans Career Center. "The earlier students gain hands-on experience and industry exposure, the more informed their career choices become—and the better prepared they are to succeed. We were delighted to welcome the young men from Son of a Saint to help them on this journey."
The final two weeks are held at Nunez Community College, where participants receive advanced technical instruction in areas including avionics, electrical circuits, soldering, CNC simulations, Keenserts, aircraft fasteners, adhesive bonding, crimping, sockets, harness fabrication, schematics, and wiring. Friday employer visits continue throughout the program, giving participants additional opportunities to connect classroom learning with careers across the Greater New Orleans region.
"It is increasingly important to introduce young people to the wide range of high-demand career opportunities available to them," said Dr. Tina Tinney, Chancellor of Nunez Community College. "We are proud to welcome Son of a Saint mentees to our campus, where they can not only experience a college environment but also connect directly with industry professionals and gain hands-on exposure to technical careers. The Career Launchpad Program is helping participants develop valuable skills, build meaningful connections, and prepare for successful futures."
In addition to technical instruction, mentees complete hands-on projects and work alongside industry professionals who share their career experiences, discuss workforce expectations, and provide guidance on educational and professional pathways. Participants who successfully complete the program earn a stipend, reinforcing workplace accountability while recognizing their commitment throughout the four-week experience. The program also serves as a pathway to future internship opportunities with Son of a Saint's corporate partners and GNO Inc.
"Southeast Louisiana's growth industries depend on a steady supply of trained talent,” said Daphine Barnes, Executive Director of Workforce at Greater New Orleans, Inc. "That's exactly what Career Launchpad builds, giving these young men hands-on technical training, real exposure to employers, and mentors who help them navigate what comes next. Four weeks can turn classroom lessons into the first step toward impactful careers.”
The Career Launchpad Pre-Internship Program reflects Son of a Saint's ongoing commitment to equipping young men with the resources, relationships, and experiences they need to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
About Son of a Saint
Founded in 2011, Son of a Saint was established to address the challenges faced by fatherless boys in the Greater New Orleans area. Under the leadership of Founder and CEO Bivian “Sonny” Lee III, the 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to transforming lives through mentorship, emotional support, life-skills development, exposure to constructive experiences, and the formation of positive, lasting peer relationships. To learn more or get involved, visit www.sonofasaint.org.
About Greater New Orleans, Inc.
Greater New Orleans, Inc. is the regional economic development organization serving the 10-parish Greater New Orleans region. GNO Inc. works with business, government, and community partners to attract investment, grow the workforce, and create economic opportunity throughout Southeast Louisiana.
About New Orleans Career Center
New Orleans Career Center (NOCC) prepares high school students and young adults for high-wage, high-demand careers through tuition-free career preparation and technical education. Working closely with employers, NOCC combines hands-on technical training, industry-recognized credentials, and real-world work-based learning to develop the skilled local talent that strengthens New Orleans' economy and creates lasting opportunities for individuals and families. Since 2018, more than 3,000 New Orleanians have trained for high-demand careers at NOCC. For more information, visit Nolacc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is committed to being a student-centered institution that provides innovative, relevant curricula integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities. Through this commitment, the College prepares students for academic achievement and workforce opportunities while serving as a vital community and industry partner dedicated to fostering student success, advancing regional economic growth, and supporting the evolving needs of industry partners through responsive education and training. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Nunez Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nunez Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.