Omari Buckner is an eighth grader at Mary Mcleod Bethune Elementary Charter School where she is Student Council President, captain of the dance team, and participates in the talented in drama and academic gifted resources programs. Omari is a passionate advocate for social justice and change throughout the city and country. Through her social media platform Political Kids, she provides a discussion space for youth by youth. Omari entered this contest to get the chance to learn more about city government and shed light on mental health and sober spaces throughout the city. Omari's essay won the 11-13 age category. 

Ronyae Stokes is 14 years old, born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a 9th grader at George Washington Carver High School where she is an honor roll student with a 4.0 grade point average and has received principal honor roll each quarter. 

During elementary school years at Mildred Osborne Charter School and KIPP Believe College Prep, Ronyae shares that she learned the importance of being a part of extracurricular activities, such as the flag team, student council, and the debate team. She is currently part of College Track and Upward Bound. These two programs help her to be prepared for college success. Ronyae's dream is to attend Harvard University and her goal is to earn a bachelors degree, attend law school and become a Judge. She entered the contest because she wanted an opportunity to see how a mayor leads a city and to learn about decision making and its impact on community. Ronyae's essay won the 14-15 age category. 

Madison Victoria Vidal, a distinguished senior at Benjamin Franklin High School and a Level 3 classical vocal music student at NOCCA, is a shining example of talent and leadership in her community. Beyond her academic pursuits, Madison actively engages in various school activities, reflecting her commitment to fostering diversity, social change, and civic participation. As a member of cultural clubs such as the Hispanic Culture Club, Black Culture Club, and Asian Pacific Culture Club, she embraces the richness of her community and advocates for inclusivity.

Madison's leadership extends to her roles in student council, where she was a founding member of the NOCCA Student Council and became one of its first-ever Student Council representatives. Her versatile role as an alto in the chorus and a NOCCA Ambassador for three years showcases not only her musical prowess, but also her dedication to representing her artistic community. Additionally, Madison fearlessly advocates against societal issues, participating in the March for Our Lives movement against gun violence and engaging in school protests against discriminatory bills. Her standout achievement as the winner of the City of New Orleans Mayor for the Day in 2024 is a testament to her commitment to civic engagement and her desire to contribute positively to the community she holds dear. Madison envisions this unique opportunity as a chance to amplify the voices of her peers, address important issues, and inspire a sense of unity and progress within the city. Madison's essay won the 16-18 age category.

Babysitter's Club Nola

Babysitters Club Nola was founded out of a desire to ensure that parents could find the best care for their family needs. 

Their mission is to provide kids with an outstanding babysitting experience. All sitters are CPR & First Aid certified. BSCN sitters allow kids to be themselves by engaging in different hands-on and outside activities.

BSCN provides childcare services in the greater New Orleans area. They offer childcare solutions tailored to meet various needs. 

To learn more and for bookings visit: Babysitters Club Nola

HEARD is a student-run, 501(C)(3) nonprofit that provides a variety of resources to displaced children to promote their physical and mental well-being, and enables them to lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Their team reaches out to educational institutions, healthcare providers, retailers, and other nonprofits that support displaced children to explore partnership and sponsorship opportunities. Over the past three years, they have held over 40 events, including fundraisers, donation drives, and campaigns and raised over $20,000 to support the cause. They have also provided clothes, shoes, books, and toys for hundreds of displaced children. 

The Incubator is rooted in arts, education, and sustainability. As, such the aim of the nonprofit is working with culture bearers and youth to grow gardens, green spaces, and environmentally focused public art that gives back to the community. 

The New Orleans Career Center is currently seeking high school students who are interested in exciting training pathways. Students can pursue certification and education across five industries: healthcare, building trades, engineering, digital production, culinary arts, and hospitality management.

NOCC offers high-quality training from professionals at no cost to the trainee. They help build a bright future without the burden of debt while putting youth on track to get the credentials employers seek. 

Visit their website or attend an information session to discover your perfect pathway. Complete the form here!: Interest Form

The deadline is April 1! 

Youth Master Plan Categories: Economic Stability 

The New Orleans Youth Alliance (NOYA) is excited to continue the Rebuilding Our Village Youth Fund. 

This grant is managed by young people and supports initiatives and projects that are led by youth and that center the needs of youth.

Grants will be made for short-term projects. The grant period is from March 2024 through August 2024.

Grant awards will be between $1,000 - $5,000.

If you are interested, please complete this application and submit it by March 1st at 11:59pm.

Grant decisions will be announced no later than March 18th.

Public Assistance Application Help 10:30am - 2:30pm, Algiers Regional Library, March 5th, March 12th, March 19th, & 26th

Norman Mayer Library, Feb 28th & March 6th, March 13th, March 20th, & March 27th

Notary Assistance 4:00pm - 5:30pm, Algiers Regional Library, Feb 28th, March 6th, March 13th, March 20th, & March 27th

East New Orleans Regional Library 4:30pm - 5:30pm Feb 29th, March 7th, March 21st, & March 28th

Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center 10:00am - 10:45am, March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th  

JOB1, East New Orleans Regional Library March 5th &19th 10:00am - 2:00pm, Algiers Regional Library, March 12th & 26th  

The NOLA Artist Incubator, in partnership with New Orleans Public Library is excited to announce Budding Artists nature based arts and literacy program for 2-5 year olds again on Mondays in March at 10:30. Interested families can register at the library’s events page or on our website, https://nolaartistincubator.org this spring.