SHREVEPORT, La. — A promising partnership between Caddo Parish residents and Job Corps is on pause as the Shreveport training center struggles to rebuild enrollment before taking on new community projects.

“The more students we have, the more projects we can handle,” said a Job Corps representative. “In order to bring this to full scale, we need enough students to do that in a timely fashion.”

The center currently serves 119 students, less than half of its 285-student capacity. Until enrollment rebounds, plans to link Job Corps students with parish projects, including painting fire halls, rebuilding playgrounds, and repairing homes -- remain stalled.

Caddo commissioners still want the groundwork ready. Commissioner Kenneth Epperson proposed forming a citizens advisory board so residents

See Full Page