Students in Claiborne Parish will soon have access to enhanced career training opportunities thanks to a $240,000 investment secured by State Representative Rashid Young, a Homer High School alumnus.

The funding, announced this week, will be used to strengthen vocational and technical education programs across Claiborne Parish Schools, providing students with more hands-on training, expanded career preparation, and the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Local leaders say the investment will help better align high school programs with the needs of local employers and industry partners, giving students a clearer path from the classroom to a career.

“Representative Young’s efforts will open new doors for our students, giving them the tools to compete in a changing job market,” the Claiborne Parish School Board said in a statement.

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury also partnered on the initiative, reflecting a parish-wide commitment to improving education and economic opportunity.

District officials praised the collaboration, calling it a “major step forward” in preparing Claiborne Parish students for the future.