2026 BRAYN CONFERENCE

The Baton Rouge Area Youth Network (BRAYN) presents a full-day conference for youth-serving organizations, school partners, funders, and community leaders focused on strengthening workforce readiness and expanding paid employment pathways for teens.

As expectations grow for programs to prepare young people for real-world work experiences, this conference brings together practitioners and partners to explore practical approaches, shared challenges, and coordinated solutions.

The day will feature a co-keynote session, multiple breakout sessions, and opportunities for peer learning and connection across youth development, education, and workforce systems.

Info: Participants check in, enjoy breakfast, and connect informally with peers across youth development, education, and workforce systems. This hour is designed to support relationship-building and set the tone for a collaborative, full-day conference.

Info: This 60-minute co-keynote showcase highlights models and perspectives shaping teen workforce readiness across Baton Rouge. Featuring EBRPSS Workforce Readiness and The Bridge Agency, the session explores how schools, community organizations, and workforce partners can align to create meaningful, paid pathways for teens.

The session includes program spotlights, youth perspectives, and guided reflection to inspire organizations ready to begin or strengthen teen employment efforts.

Info: Participants choose from concurrent breakout sessions focused on practical implementation. Sessions are designed to support real-world decision-making and will explore topics such as hiring teens, program design, funding readiness, data use, AI tools, and inclusive practices.

Info: A dedicated lunch break provides time to connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and partners while continuing informal conversations sparked during the morning sessions.

Info: A second round of concurrent breakout sessions allows participants to engage with a different topic area or deepen learning in another focus area. Sessions continue to emphasize shared learning, practical examples, and actionable strategies.

Info: This conference-wide featured session spotlights lessons from an organization successfully supporting teens who face additional barriers to employment. The session focuses on translating relationship-based programming into workforce readiness, supervision, and growth opportunities for young people.

Info: The conference concludes with a synthesis of key themes and a facilitated reflection focused on next steps. Participants will be encouraged to consider how insights from the day can be applied within their own organizations and partnerships.

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Host or Publisher Baton Rouge Area Youth Network (BRAYN)