NEW ORLEANS CAREER CENTER RECEIVES IMPACT 59 POWERED BY ENTERGY GRANT IN ADVANCE OF SUPERBOWL LIX
NOCC Founding CEO Claire Jecklin joined other grant recipients during a panel discussion at the Impact59 Powered by Entergy press conference.
NEW ORLEANS (December 13, 2024) – New Orleans Career Center (NOCC) was among the local organizations granted funding today by the Impact59 Powered by Entergy initiative in advance of Superbowl LIX. The New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, NFL Foundation, Entergy, the New Orleans Saints, Ochsner Health, Venture Global, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, and the NOLA Coalition announced the distribution of more than $3.5 million in grants to 65 nonprofit organizations in the Greater New Orleans region 59 days before Super Bowl LIX. NOCC plans to use the funding to expand career preparation options and support for trainees over age 18.
“Super Bowl LIX is about more than just a game,” said Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and long-time philanthropist. “It’s about showing up for our city, supporting our neighbors, and ensuring that we leave a positive, lasting legacy in the community. This program is part of what we do – to create meaningful change and provide lasting resources for the people who call New Orleans home.”
Impact 59 Powered by Entergy, the official Super Bowl LIX Legacy Grant Program, is designed to provide lasting support for local organizations working in key areas such as economic development, education, workforce training, youth development, health and wellness, and equity and inclusion. NOCC and nine other organizations received grants for their workforce training efforts.
A grant selection committee carefully reviewed eligibility and compliance and made award determinations based on the need, merit, and potential impact of each project. These organizations are receiving critical support for their efforts to improve lives in 10 Greater New Orleans parishes.
“This grant acknowledges the value of the high-quality training and career preparation all trainees at the Career Center access,” said Jake Gleghorn, NOCC Chief Strategy Officer. “We’re grateful for the investment in what we do and the benefits this kind of training brings to our trainees, our community, and to local employers.”
The announcement of the 65 grant recipients reinforces the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee’s motto: “It’s what we do.” Impact 59 Powered by Entergy ensures these local organizations receive much-needed funding and resources, furthering their critical work and fostering long-term change in the community.
“At the end of the day, Super Bowl LIX is much more than just a game,” said Jay Cicero, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee. “We’re only 59 days away from the opportunity to showcase our city, support our nonprofit community, boost Louisiana’s economy, and celebrate our rich culture. We are proud to contribute to this incredible legacy that extends beyond the game and has a positive impact on the people of New Orleans.”
Impact 59 is just one of several programs the Host Committee and NFL bring to New Orleans ahead of the big game. NFL Source, a diverse supplier program, launched earlier this year and engaged more than 200 underrepresented businesses in the greater New Orleans Area. Earlier this month, NFL Green and the Host Committee kicked off two sustainability projects in the city, with more to come as we get closer to Feb. 9, 2025.
The 65 grant recipients will be recognized at an event during Super Bowl Week in New Orleans. Super Bowl LIX will take place on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome.
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About the New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee
The New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, led by the New Orleans Saints and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, is responsible for planning, executing, and hosting the City’s record-tying 11th NFL Championship game on February 9, 2025. The Host Committee works in partnership with the National Football League to deliver a successful Super Bowl LIX while driving lasting social and economic impact in the Greater New Orleans area. Learn more about the New Orleans Super LIX Host Committee at nolasuperbowl.com.
About the NFL Foundation
The National Football League (NFL) Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football – from players at all levels to communities across the country. The NFL Foundation and its members, the 32 NFL clubs, support the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football, and the communities that support our game. Celebrating 50 years, the NFL Foundation has become one of the leading philanthropic entities in America, contributing to NFL team communities, national and international disaster relief efforts, and societal issues. The league is utilizing this anniversary to amplify the impact of NFL Philanthropy and the progress made by our nonprofit entities. For more information on the NFL Foundation, visit NFLFoundation.org.
About The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation
Organized in August 1988, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation (Sports Foundation) is a non-profit 501(c) (4) organization whose mission is to attract and manage sporting events that have a positive economic impact on Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans area. Throughout its 36-year history, the Sports Foundation has hosted and been awarded hundreds of events and turned a $50 million public investment into more than $3.4 billion in economic impact for the State of Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans area.
