A New Orleans film industry nonprofit will be able to expand its workforce development program for middle and high school students thanks to a three-year grant of $470,800 from the Louisiana Economic Development’s Entertainment Development Fund.
Based at Second Line Stages, The COOL Cooperative (Creating Outstanding Opportunities Locally) offers after-school programs, hands-on training, mentoring, and free summer programs where at-risk students learn and apply film production skills. The 10-year-old nonprofit recently expanded its summer camp offerings and increased attendance by 45%; it plans to hire more trainers and develop a curriculum that can be accessed by any Louisiana student or educator.
“The Louisiana film industry is an economic engine in the state,” said Beth Burvant, Executive Director of The COOL Cooperative. “It is our hope that through early skills training and exposure to film arts, we can inspire the next generation of storytellers to share their unique voices. We want them to learn here, work here and stay here.”
This is the second LED grant received by The COOL Cooperative. In 2021, LED awarded $49,000 to support The COOL Cooperative’s early development; this new three-year grant will allow the pipeline program to further expand its offerings and its reach. The grant will be spread over three years.
“Technical training on cutting-edge equipment, together with mentorship from master storytellers, provides Louisiana’s young people a meaningful pathway into the entertainment industry, where production skills and artistry are valued and needed,” said Josh Fleig, Chief Innovation Officer at LED. “LED is extremely excited to continue our partnership with The COOL Cooperative to educate and train the next generation of film industry professionals in Louisiana.”
Through the Entertainment Development Fund, LED has invested more than $9.3 million in education and workforce development programs at higher education and nonprofit institutions throughout Louisiana.
