With a population of more than 800,000 people, the Baton Rouge metropolitan area could strengthen its economy and improve revitalization efforts by raising its college attainment rate just 1% point.
Baton Rouge is determined to keep those college graduates in the area and has focused its Talent Dividend efforts toward integrating new grads into the local workforce earlier through internship programs. The
Baton Rouge Area Chamber, or BRAC, won a $10,000 matching grant from the Kresge Foundation, which it will utilize to create the
Baton Rouge Area Internship Network, or BRAIN. Its aim is to help businesses expand internship programs and help students find internships that match their interests.
A deeper talent pool in Baton Rouge will ensure that initiatives such as improving education, reducing crime and creating a vibrant urban center will continue to evolve in the right direction.