BAKER, La. (WAFB) – A new partnership will bring mentoring and career readiness programs to Baker schools.

The City of Baker School System, Helix Community Schools, and the 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge announced a collaboration that brings mentoring, financial literacy, and college and career readiness programs directly into Baker schools.

The groups said 100 Black Men will host several of its nationally-recognized programs in Baker schools.

Baker City Councilman Dixon McMakin said the partnership reflects growth in the community.

“If it wasn’t for the 100 Black Men, I would not be the man I am today, if it wasn’t for Helix Community Schools, I would not be half the professional that I am today, and as a councilman for this very same community — to bring it all together, it shows that here in this area we are growing we are rising but most importantly the time is now here in Baker Louisiana,” McMakin said.

According to Preston Castille, the president and CEO of Helix Community Schools, 100 Black Men is moving their headquarters into one of the Baker schools. The organization is moving from its Foster Drive location in Baton Rouge.

The collaboration begins this semester and is expected to be fully in place for the 2026-2027 school year.

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