SHREVEPORT, La. — The Greater Shreveport Chamber and Caddo Parish Public Schools have launched Caddo Works, a new workforce readiness initiative designed to connect students with real-world career exposure and workplace experiences across the parish.
The program aims to address changing workforce demands by linking local employers with K-12 students through classroom visits, career events, and hands-on learning opportunities aligned with Caddo Parish Public Schools’ (CPPS) curriculum.
Caddo Works seeks to help students become more aware of career options earlier in their education while developing skills valued by employers. Middle school students will be introduced to various industries through activities such as industry presentations, workplace tours, and career days. High school students will have access to expanded career and technical education, cooperative learning, and internship programs supported by the CPPS Department of Workforce Development.
“Caddo Schools recognizes the important role that we play in building our next generation workforce, and we are retooling our efforts to provide more opportunities to more students,” said Keith Burton, Caddo Schools superintendent. “We are delighted to partner with the Chamber and believe that the experiences our Caddo Works partnership can provide will enable our students to be better informed about their career choices and better prepared to be the workforce our community needs.”
The partnership will also serve as a coordination hub for local businesses, helping connect them to classrooms and events. It will catalog employers willing to host tours, participate in career fairs, or provide internship placements for students.
“Caddo Works is about preparing our students for what’s next, while showcasing the real opportunities that exist right here in Northwest Louisiana,” said Dr. Tim Magner, president of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. “By opening doors to our region’s employers, we’re helping students discover their interests, build essential skills, and envision a future for themselves in our community.”
The initiative’s pilot phase began in fall 2025, with additional rollouts planned for January and summer 2026. Each phase is expected to expand student participation and deepen engagement between schools and local employers.
Businesses in Caddo Parish can participate in Caddo Works in several ways, including hosting student tours, providing speakers, supporting career events, or offering internships. An informational webinar for interested employers will be held Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m.
More information and registration details are available at https://caddoworks.us.