Our courses
The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center’s Legacy Workforce Development Program offers a Work Readiness Course, Industrial Readiness Training Course, and a HiSET Education Course. Get started today.
Are you eligible?
Our program administrator can walk you through the enrollment process!
Generally, our workforce readiness program participants…
have a form of ID
are 17 years of age or older
are SNAP, STEP, or CSE&ENT eligible*
are taking the right steps toward a brighter future
Workforce Program Outline
Work Readiness Program
Participants are prepared for the workforce through a four-week, cohort-based program. The curriculum consists of a variety of professional development, financial & digital literacy, and socioemotional development workshops and activities.
Wrap- around Services
Throughout all our free programmatic offerings, participants can receive financial assistance with:
Child Care
Transportation
Rent/Utility Payments
Interview Clothing and Uniforms
Background Checks/Drug Tests
Other Reasonable Accommodation Supplies
Education
Through a partnership with Bossier Parish Community College, participants can complete their HiSET and/or obtain a number of Industry-Based Certifications, including Forklift Operation and ServSafe Food Handler certification.
Work Experience
Upon work readiness program completion, participants can enter a 3-month on-the-job training program with one of our Employer Partners. During training, they receive continued case management support, an hourly wage, & the chance to enter into long-term employment.
Participant Journey
* We are an affiliate of SNAP Employment & Training, a federally funded grant program designed to provide program participants “opportunities to gain skills, training, work, or experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular employment and meet state or local workforce needs.” This program eliminates the program’s age restriction, meaning we can serve all SNAP-eligible Natchitoches residents ages 17 and above.
Refer a student
As Ben D. Johnson said, “An idle mind is a playground for poor decisions and costly mistakes.” If you have a young adult in your life — whether you are a relative, educator, or mentor— The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center offers the youth a safe place to learn, be productive, and develop life skills.
Hire a graduate
Looking for another way to support our program? We graduate dozens of earnest, dedicated, and reliable participants monthly that are eager to get into the workforce. The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center offers chances for employers to hire trained individuals.