The Greater Shreveport Chamber and the Caddo Parish Public Schools (CPPS) are pleased to announce the launch of Caddo Works, a comprehensive workforce readiness initiative designed to connect middle and high school students with real-world career exposure and workplace experiences across Caddo Parish.

Changing Workforce Needs

The rapidly changing economy and ongoing demographic shifts have combined to increase the need for a skilled workforce across all industry sectors.  To meet this demand, today’s students must be more aware of workforce opportunities earlier and be better prepared to step into the workplace than ever before. The goal of Caddo Works is to address that need by connecting the business community with K-12 students through meaningful interactions and valuable workplace experiences in ways that align with the curricular goals of CPPS.

CPPS is innovating with new curricula, new schedules and new approaches to begin introducing middle school students to the world of work through exposure activities that range from meeting industry representatives, workplace tours, career days and other opportunities to explore local career opportunities and understand the skills employers value.

At the high school level, CPPS is helping students identify their career interests earlier and revisit them more frequently. Career and technical education experiences are being broadened and integrated at schools across the Parish, and cooperative education and internship programs are being developed that allow students to gain hands-on experience through work placements facilitated by Caddo Parish Public Schools Department of Workforce Development, while in school.

“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.”

A Coordinated Response

The Caddo Works partnership will focus on coordinating the business community’s response by providing a clearing house for industry representatives available to speak at middle and high school classes and events; catalog businesses that are willing to host tours and student site visits; help coordinate business participation in career fairs and other workforce development events; and facilitate internship and cooperative education placements in businesses across the Parish.

“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. We are encouraging all businesses across the Parish to step up to help inspire the next generation to see their future here.”

The pilot program began in fall 2025, and the next phases of the roll out will occur with the January semester and summer. With each successive rollout, the Caddo Works partnership aims to increase student placements, deepen employer engagement, and broaden access to career-connected learning throughout the Parish.

Employer Participation Opportunities

Caddo Works offers the opportunity for businesses of all sizes and across all industries to participate in as many as 5 ways:

• • Providing guest speakers or panels to share career journeys
  • Hosting student tours of facilities
  • Supporting job shadowing and career day events
  • Participating in cooperative education efforts
  • Offering internships

Participation is open to any business in Caddo Parish and businesses can participate in as few or as many roles as they are able to support. Participation can be tailored to any size organization, with coordination support provided by the Chamber and CPPS.

Learn More: Employer Webinar

An informational webinar for interested employers will be held on

Tuesday, November 18, at 10:00 AM (CT).
Click Here to Register Here

SIGN YOUR BUSINESS UP TODAY!