BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – In a crowded auditorium filled with students, Isaiah Coates is preparing for an opportunity he believes could make a difference, not just in his life, but across the Baton Rouge community.

“This community would be a lot better if there wasn’t all this violence going on,” Coates said.

Youth violence has become an ongoing concern in Baton Rouge, highlighted most recently by a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana that left one teenager dead and another facing charges.

City leaders say efforts like the mayor’s Youth Workforce Experience program are designed to address that issue by giving young people positive alternatives.

The program pairs 100 teens with local employers, offering them a chance to gain job experience, build professional connections and earn income over the summer.

Officials say the goal is to provide structure during months when youth crime often increases, while also helping students develop skills that can shape their futures.

“This kind of opportunity can give kids something positive to do, while also boosting the economy,” Coates said.

Mayor Sid Edwards said the program is about more than just employment.

“It’s a job, but more than that, it offers hope,” Edwards said.

He added that the initiative also serves as a long-term investment in the city’s workforce by helping retain young talent and strengthen the local economy.

“Over 100 kids being able to be employed, off the street, staying busy, learning, connecting,” Edwards said.

Parents say the program is already making an impact.

“Very proud. Very proud,” said John Mack, whose child is participating.

Mack said seeing so many young people take advantage of the opportunity gives him confidence in the city’s future.

“You see these kids lined up, getting ready to take advantage of this opportunity, it’s good,” he said.

Students for this summer’s program have already been selected. The program runs from June 1 through July 30, with participants earning up to $10 per hour and working as many as 30 hours per week.

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