River Parishes Community College (RPCC) has been named one of just ten community colleges across the nation selected to participate in the first cohort of the Scaling Apprenticeship at Community Colleges Project, an initiative launched by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and funded by Ascendium Education Group in partnership with New America and Job Forward.
This groundbreaking initiative empowers community colleges to become apprenticeship program sponsors—managing the full process of registered apprenticeships, rather than serving only as providers of technical instruction. Traditionally, apprenticeships have focused on construction trades, but this program is designed to expand opportunities into nontraditional fields, such as additive manufacturing.
“Being selected for this national cohort is a significant step forward for RPCC and for our region,” said Dr. Cherri Wells, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions at RPCC. “Our goal is to create programs that directly respond to industry needs, preparing our students for high-demand, high-wage careers while also helping employers build a stronger, more skilled workforce. Additive manufacturing is at the forefront of innovation, and we are excited to be one of the colleges leading the way in building apprenticeships in this emerging field.”
As part of the four-year project, RPCC will develop a series of short-term workforce classes in the additive manufacturing sector. Additive manufacturing—commonly referred to as 3D printing—involves creating components by layering materials based on digital designs. This innovative approach allows for precise and cost-effective production of complex parts across industries.
RPCC’s first focus will be on developing a curriculum for scanner technicians, professionals who use advanced scanning technology to identify corroded or broken components of a machine and transmit the data to computer numerical control (CNC) machines, which then create precise replacement parts. The college plans to hold stakeholder meetings with business and industry leaders as early as October 2025 to ensure the curriculum meets workforce needs. A pilot program will be launched by the end of October to test equipment and curriculum with industry partners, with the first official class set to roll out by summer 2026.
“A foundational step in expanding work-based learning is building the capacity for the college to manage registered apprenticeships, said Kate Whitehead, Director of Work-Based Learning at RPCC. “Through ACCT’s Scaling Apprenticeship project—partnering with New America and Job Forward—we’re strengthening that capacity so RPCC can design, register, and sustain programs that meet employer needs and deliver paid, hands-on learning for our students. We’re excited to begin in additive manufacturing—starting with a scanner technician pathway—and to extend this model to additional high-demand fields across the River Region.”
Through monthly learning modules and peer collaboration, RPCC and its cohort peers will receive training and support to establish sustainable apprenticeship systems. By the end of the project, RPCC will have developed apprenticeship standards for at least two nontraditional occupations and enrolled its first apprentices.
This announcement comes at a time of significant growth in work-based learning for the college, as RPCC recently announced a 160% increase in student internships — from 49 students with 5 companies in 2024 to 129 students with 17 companies in 2025.
In addition to RPCC, colleges selected for the first cohort include:
- Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College (WV),
- Hocking College (OH),
- Delaware County Community College (PA),
- Moraine Valley Community College (IL),
- Lake Land College (IL),
- Northwest Shoals Community College (AL),
- South Louisiana Community College (LA),
- MiraCosta College (CA), and
- Tillamook Bay Community College (OR)