In a time when fewer students are getting the hands-on work experience they need, one Baton Rouge leader is stepping up to make a difference. Judith Anderson, board president for the NAF Academy of Engineering Professions at Scotlandville Magnet High School, was recently honored with a national award for her efforts to connect local teens with paid internships.
Baton Rouge leader Anderson, who also serves as program director for CSRS Inc., a Louisiana-based engineering firm, received the NAF Advisory Board Champion Award during the NAF Next 2025 conference in Aurora, Colorado. This recognition highlights her dedication to ensuring that students have access to meaningful, career-building opportunities before graduation.
Internship experience has become increasingly rare among high school and college students, yet it remains one of the most powerful ways to prepare for life after school. Studies show that graduates who complete internships are more likely to secure employment in their chosen field and enter the workforce with confidence.
By leveraging her industry connections, Anderson has helped dozens of students in Baton Rouge land paid internships—providing not only valuable skills but also financial support and a clearer pathway toward future careers.
NAF, a national nonprofit organization, partners with schools and businesses to prepare students for college and career success. The Advisory Board Champion Award is given to leaders who show extraordinary commitment to work-based learning experiences, helping students bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional world.
Anderson’s recognition is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a win for local families and students. Her efforts ensure that young people in Baton Rouge don’t just graduate with a diploma, but with real-world experience that will carry them into a successful future.
