The Louisiana Department of Education is calling for public feedback on a new blueprint, Jump Start 2.0, that outlines the future of career and technical education in the state.

Jump Start 2.0 builds on the state’s program and provides students on the pathway with direct post-graduate connections to high-wage, highdemand careers, said state Superintendent John White in a news release to the American Press.

“Jump Start has fundamentally changed the opportunities available to young people in Louisiana,” White said. “However, it remains the case that too often those credentials are not translating into full-time employment after high school.”

Though more than 90,000 industrybased credentials were obtained by students in 2018, youth unemployment rates remain high as graduates do not have concrete plans for their future upon graduation. The blueprint, White said, will help the state map out how it can “better serve students who as adults will need a toehold in the economy.”

The blue print is comprised of three components: increasing access to workplace-based learning, increasing the public value of the career diploma and the development of community-based leadership for Jump Start initiatives.

“By re-evaluating the alignment of available programs to real, local demand, the Jump Start 2.0 blueprint is further ensuring our students are ready for the 21st century postsecondary environment,” said Tony Davis, a member of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary education, in a news release.

Sydni Dunn, spokeswoman for the department, said releasing the plan to the public for feedback is important because career and technical education affects every Louisianian.

“We take seriously the input of our partners from school systems, post-secondary institutions, business and industry and beyond,” she said.

The blueprint and survey can viewed at www.louisianabelieves.com. The survey will be available through March 15 and changes may be implemented as early as the 2019-2020 school year.