BATON ROUGE — Three organizations have teamed up in an effort to expand career pathways and work-based learning opportunities for Louisiana students in the energy industry.

Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL), the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) Foundation and YouthForce NOLA announced the initiative on Friday.

The LABI Foundation said it will work with energy employers and industry partners to offer internships, mentorship and industry exposure to high school students.

"Louisiana's energy future depends on the talent we develop today," Will Green, LABI's President and CEO, said. "By connecting students with the employers driving innovation across our state, we're creating stronger pathways from the classroom to rewarding careers."

YouthForce NOLA said it is building a network of school districts and communities aimed at increasing access to work-based learning opportunities and industry-based credentials, strengthening connections between education and industry and expanding energy sector career exploration opportunities.

"We are thrilled to be working alongside FUEL and the LABI Foundation to make sure our students are receiving the experience they need now so that they can build meaningful, future careers in Louisiana's energy industry," YouthForce NOLA President and CEO Cate Swinburn said.

The partnership builds on FUEL's goal to prepare students for careers in the evolving energy technology and innovation market. Click here for more information.