The South Louisiana region is at turning point. Made up of an urban center and surrounding rural communities, leaders across our region are pioneering incredible change that will impact the future of our state.
Living in South Louisiana is an experience like no other. Whether it's our unique food, upbeat music, or the people that are the heart of our community, this culture is one you will find hard to forget. Like a pot of gumbo, we’re a little bit of everything thrown together to create something one of a kind and incredibly resilient.
Following the shooting of Alton Sterling and the floods of 2016, the racial and economic disparities across our region were more visible than ever before. At the same time, we witnessed an outpour of compassion as neighbors came together to support one another through the shared challenge. The discussions that surfaced over time made our collective progress an even higher priority.
While the State Department of Education works diligently to create progressive policies and structures to support public education, organizations like Urban Congress on African American Males and Dialogue on Race bring members of our community together to understand and solve some of our most complex issues.
We are indeed gaining momentum toward change, but it still requires a greater number of committed leaders to work alongside us. By joining the movement in South Louisiana, you have the chance to contribute to a number of efforts driving historic change in our region while being a part of growing community centered around our unique culture. From crawfish boils to festivals, brining your leadership to the South Louisiana region is an opportunity you will never forget.
Neighborhood Highlights
The South Louisiana region of Teach For America spans four Louisiana parishes, each of which offering a unique experience and an opportunity to truly become a part of the community.
Named by French explorers as "the Red Stick City," Baton Rouge is where Louisiana's capital, two major universities, and distinctive Cajun and Creole cultures all come together. Baton Rouge is the fifth largest city on the Mississippi River and home to Louisiana's largest parish. Strategically seated at the mouth of the Mississippi River, the Baton Rouge area's assets are integral to the nation's logistics and energy networks. Additionally, the city boasts a thriving arts, culture, and food scene making it a hub for unique festivals all year long.
Ascension Parish is an immense collection of diverse histories deserving recognition, celebration, and protection. The city of Gonzales on the east bank of the parish offers suburban living and sits minutes away from both Baton Rouge and the city of Donaldsonville where Teach For America centers its efforts.
Donaldsonville, which sits on the west bank of the parish, is home to a close-knit community of educators and leaders reshaping the role the community plays in the school building. Through innovative partnership, Donaldsonville school leaders, families, and leaders work alongside one another to create sustainable change for children.
East Feliciana Parish boasts a rich history that surrounds the rural towns of Jackson and Clinton where Teach For America’s efforts in the parish are centered. Minutes away from Pointe Coupee Parish and the suburban City of Zachary, residents of East Feliciana enjoy the scenic benefits and unique bonds that can be found in Louisiana’s rural areas.
Pointe Coupee (Coo-pee) Parish is one of the oldest settlements in the Mississippi River Valley. Its early French and African influence can still be found today in its friendly people and delicious cuisine. It is the birthplace of Louisiana public education with public schools dating back to the early 1880's. Pointe Coupee’s 22 fresh water lakes promote fishing, boating, and hunting; making it a prime location for vacation. Two of the largest lakes are False River and Old River and both lakes are over 20 miles long.
Pointe Coupee Parish is proud to boast the third oldest Mardi Gras Parade in the state of Louisiana and host four parades every year. The newest addition to our parish parades is the Lundi-Gras Parade that is held at Old River Landing in Batchelor, Louisiana. Enter a greased pig contest, chase a chicken, dance to live Zydeco music, eat great foods, and so much more! Pointe Coupee Parish has so many points of interest and it will appeal to everyone.