On September 3, 2024, Webster Parish School System opened the doors to its newly constructed barbering school for 16- and 17-year-old students who want a jumpstart toward earning their barber’s license. The barbering school, a state-of-the-art facility, is housed at J.E. Harper Pathways to Excellence Center. The lab is furnished with 10 fully-equipped stations, 3 shampoo bowls with chairs, 3 hair dryers with chairs, 2 towel warmers, 12 storage cabinets, and one handwashing sink. The classroom has 12 student stations and lockers and is equipped with technology to enhance the learning experience.
Currently, nine students are enrolled in the program. High school principals and counselors are recruiting students for the spring semester. The facility is equipped to accommodate 20 students per semester. Walter Morgan, Jr., an experienced barber of 35 years and a local businessman, is the instructor. This Minden native has served on the Louisiana Board of Barbering and has instructed many aspiring barbers. Students will be taught skills such as using equipment and tools properly, cutting and styling hair, using chemicals on the hair properly, and learning to run a business.
The goal for students is to complete 300 barbering hours while in the high school setting. After high school, students will have the option of continuing their post-secondary work in a barbering school or assuming a barbering apprenticeship in an effort to earn their license. The barbering school is the latest in a list of district-wide career and technical education programs offered by Webster Parish: Certified Nursing Assistant, Pre-Educator Pathway, and ProStart.
An open house for the barbering school will be held in mid-October and will be open to the public. For further information concerning Career and Technical Education in Webster Parish, contact your student’s high school principal or counselor.
