Episode Two: “We Are the Next Generation of Programmers”
Duration: 17:26 | April 22, 2025
In this second episode of Voices of I Am New Orleans, meet Helen and Alasia, two high school students who are turning lines of code into bold steps toward their futures. With the guidance of Operation Spark instructor Akin, they’re not just learning how to program, they’re discovering confidence, purpose and a whole new world of possibilities. Operation Spark’s innovative coding bootcamps are helping young people and adults alike launch meaningful careers in tech. Tune in to hear how Akin’s mentorship and the power of coding are lighting a path forward for the next generation of software engineers in New Orleans, one keystroke at a time.
Bridging the Gap: Youth, Coding and Career Opportunities
- In Louisiana, approximately 1 in 6 young people ages 16–24 are not in school or working., This shows just how important it is to have strong youth workforce programs that help reconnect young people to education and job opportunities.
- Yet, during the 2022–2023 school year, only 1 in 3 Louisiana high schools offered basic computer science courses.
- Young people are paying attention: 58% of students ages 16–23 say learning to code is just as important as learning a foreign language. But more than a third say they don’t have access to coding education in school.
- That’s a big deal in a state where tech jobs are expected to grow by 18% through 2032.
Digging Deeper: Reflection Questions
- What part of this conversation stood out to you the most, and why?
- Was there anything that felt surprising, confusing or made you think differently about the opportunities available to young people for building careers and gaining skills?
- What do young people need to take the lead in building their own career paths and helping solve job challenges in their communities?
- What did you take away from Helen and Alasia’s story? Did it change how you think about the importance of mentors or support systems when starting a career?
- How does limited access to job training or career-building programs affect youth in your community? What could schools, local businesses or nonprofits do to help create more opportunities?
- After hearing about Operation Spark, what changes would you like to see in your school or community to help more young people prepare for successful careers—in tech or any field?
Leveling Up
Grantee Spotlight
Operation Spark helps young people and adults launch careers in tech by teaching them how to write software, build apps, and more. With tech jobs in high demand, they provide the skills and support needed to enter well-paying careers in the software industry. Their accelerated training programs and team environment prepare you to confidently land your first job in tech. Learn more at operationspark.org