Invest in Louisiana’s Next Generation
Businesses across Louisiana are partnering with schools to help students gain real-world experience while preparing for successful careers.
The state is redesigning high schools to ensure students graduate ready for career, college, or military service. Through initiatives like Fast Forward and a redesigned accountability system, students can earn industry credentials, college credit, and hands-on work experience before graduation.
Employers are essential partners in this effort. By offering internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities, businesses help students develop valuable skills while strengthening Louisiana’s future workforce.
Employer Resource
Build a High School Internship Program
Learn how to design and manage a structured internship that supports students while helping develop future talent.
Employer Incentive
Work-Based Learning Tax Credit
Eligible employers may receive a state tax credit for hiring interns, apprentices, or youth workers in approved programs.
Ways Businesses Can Participate
Louisiana recognizes several types of high-quality work-based learning experiences that allow employers to partner with schools and provide students with real-world career experiences.
Internships
Structured, paid work experiences aligned to a student’s career pathway. Internships include classroom instruction and support from a school-based teacher coordinator.
Cooperative Education
A credit-bearing program that combines classroom instruction with paid, career-related employment.
Registered Apprenticeships
Formal training programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor that combine paid on-the-job training with related technical instruction.
All of these experiences are supported by local school systems and aligned with state policy requirements.
How High School Internships Work
Louisiana’s high school internship model is designed to be structured, flexible, and employer-friendly. Schools and employers work together to ensure students gain meaningful workplace experience while meeting graduation requirements.
Partner with a Local School System
Employers connect with a local school system to explore internship opportunities and identify potential student candidates.
Interview and Select a Student
Employers maintain full hiring authority and may interview and select the student who best fits their organization.
Provide Paid Work Experience
Students complete at least 106 hours of paid work experience aligned to their career pathway.
Classroom Instruction Supports the Internship
Students also complete classroom instruction focused on professional skills and workplace readiness.
A Simple Agreement Is Established
The employer and school system sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining responsibilities and expectations.
Ongoing School Support
A school-based teacher coordinator conducts periodic visits and helps support both the student and employer throughout the internship.
Employers retain full authority over hiring decisions and may end an internship placement if it is not a good fit.
Why Employers Participate
Employers across Louisiana partner with schools to provide work-based learning opportunities because these experiences benefit both students and businesses.
By hosting student interns or supporting other work-based learning experiences, employers can:
- Build a strong local talent pipeline by helping students develop skills aligned with industry needs
- Evaluate potential future employees before making long-term hiring decisions
- Strengthen connections with local schools and communities
- Provide mentorship opportunities that engage current employees
- Enhance their reputation as a leader in workforce development
By investing in student learning today, employers help strengthen Louisiana’s workforce for the future.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers hosting student interns play an important role in providing a safe and meaningful learning experience. While the internship is supported by the local school system, employers are responsible for ensuring students are treated as employees in the workplace.
Employers hosting student interns must:
- Comply with federal and state wage and hour laws
- Follow Louisiana minor labor laws and prohibited occupation rules
- Provide a safe work environment
- Maintain workers’ compensation coverage consistent with other employees
School coordinators work closely with employers to ensure internships meet state requirements while remaining flexible and beneficial for both students and businesses.
Louisiana Work-Based Learning Tax Credit
Beginning in 2026, Louisiana employers may qualify for a state income tax credit when hiring interns, apprentices, or eligible youth workers through approved work-based learning programs.
Eligible employers may receive:
- $2.50 per hour worked
- Up to $2,500 per eligible worker each year
To qualify, the worker must complete at least 100 hours of employment during the tax year.
Employers apply annually through the Louisiana Department of Revenue between January 1 and February 28 for credits earned in the previous year.
Unused credits may be carried forward for up to five years.
Learn more about eligibility and application requirements in the Louisiana Work-Based Learning Tax Credit Guidance.
Partner With Louisiana Schools
Louisiana businesses play an important role in helping students explore careers and develop real-world skills.
Whether you are interested in hosting an intern, offering cooperative education opportunities, or supporting apprenticeships, the Louisiana Department of Education can help connect you with schools in your area and guide you through the process.
Contact us for more information at [email protected].