The Postsecondary Apprenticeship for Youth (PAYCheck) is an innovative collaboration between the Human Development Center (HDC) at LSU Health New Orleans, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), public school systems, and employers in the New Orleans metro area.

Contact Us

Tracy O'Donnell, PAYCheck Coordinator
504-556-7507

Contact PAYCheck

Apply to PAYCheck

Submit a preliminary application form to begin the process.

Submit an application

Hire a PAYCheck Intern

Become a PAYCheck employer!
100% of wages in a paid internships are reimbursed.

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PAYCheck student wears backpack while he stands smiling outside a Delgado classroom.

Postsecondary Transition

PAYCheck helps young adults transition from high school to adult life.

PAYCheck student shows his Delgado student ID.

Integrated College Courses

PAYCheck supports students in their first year at a local community college.

PAYCheck student holds up her resume on her laptop with her transition specialist.

Community Life

PAYCheck offers pre-employment and independent living skills training in the community.

Young man with Down syndrome smiles as he puts his arms around coworkers at a physical therapy clinic. One PT therapist is massaging client's arm.

Competitive Wages

PAYCheck participants get hands-on work experience through paid internships.

PAYCheck students wear vet scrubs on campus

Career Readiness

PAYCheck's goal is to put young adults on the path to a career they love.

PAYCheck Pathway

PAYCheck is a 3 semester program where students participate in courses at a postsecondary institution, engage in professional career development activities, learn community and work-related skills, and gain employment experience through two 10-week paid internships.

Start: High School

Students are encouraged to connect with the PAYCheck program in their junior or senior year of high school.

#1: Postsecondary Courses

PAYCheck participants take introductory coursework at a local community college.

#2: Work & Life Skills Training

One-on-one training happens in community settings on topics based on each participant's unique needs.

#3: Career Exploration

Pre-employment Training Services (Pre-ETS) are provided while participants gain a first-hand look at different professions through worksite visits and job shadowing.

#4: Paid Internships

PAYCheck participants are placed in two 10-week paid internships and receive job coaching from Transition Specialists as needed.

#5: Job Placement

At the end of the program, participants are placed into jobs as independent employees! After placement, PAYCheck Transition Specialists check-in for 90 days to ensure successful employment.

PAYCheck student jumps into the air while she's outside on Delgado's campus.

Student Admission Criteria

Be 18-22 years of age with IEP or Section 504 Plan
Eligible for LRS services
Submit a brief description of why they want to complete the PAYCheck program including letters of recommendation
Parents/guardians must support their student to participate in community college, learn community and work-related skills, accept a paid apprenticeship, and ultimately support their student to reach the outcome of competitive employment in the career of their choice
Take coursework at Delgado and complete two apprenticeships with local employers

At the completion of the program, students are placed into jobs with career paths that align with their interests. Our goal is for students to achieve a career they love.

Pre-Enroll in PAYCheck now