TIOGA, La. (WNTZ) — The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) made a special stop in Rapides Parish on Tuesday as part of its statewide Bridging Success Tour, spotlighting efforts to better connect students with career pathways and real-world skills.

Hosted at Tioga High School, the event highlighted how local schools, businesses, and community groups are partnering to prepare students for high-demand fields through work-based learning and career training programs. The tour was conducted in partnership with The Orchard Foundation.

Attendees visited classrooms where students were engaged in hands-on learning in emergency medical response, welding, carpentry, and automotive technology—skills designed to lead directly into well-paying jobs after graduation.

Local employers including Crest Industries, RoyOMartin, and Hayes Manufacturing participated alongside higher education institutions like Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) and Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA), all of whom emphasized the importance of school-to-career pipelines.

A student panel served as a highlight of the event, featuring testimonies from high school students involved in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Students shared how the programs are shaping their futures and providing clear pathways to success.

Among the attendees were State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley, BESE members Lance Harris and Sandy Holloway, and several superintendents from across Central Louisiana. The visit offered a firsthand look at the region’s growing emphasis on workforce readiness.

The Bridging Success Tour aims to connect education leaders with workforce partners across the state, ensuring that Louisiana students are equipped with the tools, training, and opportunities they need to thrive in both school and future careers.