River Parishes Community College (RPCC), in partnership with St. John the Baptist Parish Schools, has officially launched the St. John Early College Tech Academy, an innovative dual enrollment program designed to prepare high school students for high-demand careers in the industrial sector.
After years of planning, the program began to take shape this past spring with support from St. John Parish district leadership, paving the way for this fall’s inaugural class of 15 students. All students are incoming 10th graders who will work toward earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Process Technology over the next three years.
Students in the academy will take all of their high school and college courses on RPCC’s Reserve Campus, with instruction provided by a dedicated high school teacher, a paraprofessional, and support from St. John Parish Schools’ Career and Technical Education Supervisor. This semester, students are enrolled in Introduction to Process Technology, Plant Safety, and Speech. A new cohort will begin in Fall 2026, while current students advance into more specialized Process Technology courses.
“This academy is a game-changer for St. John Parish students,” said RPCC Chancellor Quintin Taylor. “By starting their college education while still in high school, these students are not only saving time and money but also building a direct path to high-wage, high-demand careers in St. John the Baptist Parish’s thriving industrial sector.”
Nicole Joseph, RPCC’s Associate Vice Chancellor of Dual Enrollment, added, “The Early College Tech Academy represents the best of what dual enrollment can do—provide rigorous, hands-on education that prepares students for both college and career success. We’re proud to partner with St. John Parish Schools to make this opportunity a reality.”
The St. John Early College Tech Academy is part of RPCC’s ongoing commitment to workforce development, aligning education with regional industry needs and providing students with the skills and credentials necessary to succeed in Louisiana’s competitive job market.