River Parishes Community College (RPCC) and Ascension Public Schools officially unveiled the EPIC E3 Academy today at a press event held on RPCC’s Gonzales Campus today. The innovative afterschool program is designed to Expose, Engage, and Employ young learners, preparing them for future careers through hands-on learning experiences in numeracy, literacy, and essential workplace skills.

The E3 Academy, launching in fall 2025, will initially serve 3rd-grade students from Lowery Elementary School and Sorrento Primary School with plans to expand into middle and high school grades. The program’s planning phase, which is funded through a generous donation by Air Products, is a key initiative of the Energy Partners for Innovation and Collaboration (EPIC) Consortium, which addresses workforce challenges in Louisiana’s $73 billion energy sector—one of the largest contributors to the state’s economy.

For decades, Louisiana has been a cornerstone of the oil and gas, petrochemical, and manufacturing industries—and will remain a driving force for decades to come. The energy sector directly employs 45,000–50,000 Louisianans, with an overall employment impact—including suppliers, contractors, and service industries—of nearly 300,000 jobs.

Ascension Parish plays a critical role in Louisiana’s industrial landscape and is home to major energy and petrochemical facilities. The industrial corridor along Highway 30 and Highway 73 as well as growth on the Westbank, and throughout the River Parishes with current expansions and new facility announcements represents billions in capital investment and a significant demand for a skilled workforce.

RPCC Chancellor Quintin Taylor emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative. "As industry diversifies its operations and in some instances its business model, it is important that we continue to train and develop talent for the careers of today and of the future. The EPIC E3 Academy is a game-changer for workforce development in Louisiana,” said Taylor. “By engaging students early, we are creating a talent pipeline that will support our state’s traditional and growing industries. This partnership with Ascension Public Schools ensures that students are not only prepared for academic success but also equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in high-demand careers."

Dr. Edith Walker, Superintendent of Ascension Public Schools, highlighted the program’s role in inspiring young learners. "We believe in giving our students every opportunity to explore their potential, and the EPIC E3 Academy is a powerful way to do just that,” said Dr. Walker. “By introducing career pathways at an early age, we are helping students discover their strengths and see a future filled with possibilities. This program is an investment in both their success and the future of our local workforce."

The EPIC E3 Academy is currently in a one-year planning phase, focusing on curriculum development, pilot testing, and program refinement. As the program grows, it will follow students from elementary through high school, aligning with dual enrollment opportunities and career pathways that drive innovation and economic growth.

To introduce parents to the EPIC E3 Academy and provide insight into the program’s innovative approach to early career exploration, RPCC and Ascension Public Schools will host community engagement events at each participating school. These events will offer parents the opportunity to learn more about the academy’s hands-on learning model, ask questions, and complete on-site registration for their upcoming 3rd-grader. Students will also get a preview of the program through interactive activities designed to showcase the engaging, career-focused experiences they will participate in. Events will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on March 6 at Lowery Elementary and March 13 at Sorrento Primary.

For more information about the EPIC E3 Academy, visit epiclouisiana.org/e3-academy or contact Tasha Jackson at [email protected].