River Parishes Community College (RPCC) is excited to welcome students for the Spring 2026 semester, beginning Monday, January 12, 2026. With a wide range of academic programs, workforce training opportunities, and support services, RPCC continues to be a destination for students seeking career-aligned education and pathways to success.

With campuses in Gonzales, Reserve, Westside in Plaquemine, and the United Way of St. Charles Campus in Boutte, RPCC offers a variety of academic, technical, and health sciences programs that equip students with the skills needed in today’s workforce. The college provides high-demand training in welding, process technology, instrumentation, medical assisting, and practical nursing, as well as Louisiana Transfer Degrees that allow for seamless transition to four-year institutions.

Through partnerships with K-12 school systems, RPCC offers robust dual enrollment opportunities, enabling high school students to earn college credit. The college also delivers tailored workforce training on-site for regional industry leaders such as BASF, DOW, OxyChem, and many others.

Recent Highlights and Opportunities

RPCC enters the spring semester following a year of strategic growth and community impact:

• National Apprenticeship Cohort Selection: RPCC was selected as one of only ten colleges nationwide to join the Scaling Apprenticeship at Community Colleges Project, expanding apprenticeship programs in emerging fields like additive manufacturing.
   
• Record Scholarship Support: The RPCC Foundation awarded nearly $195,000 in scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, nearly tripling the number of recipients and reducing financial barriers for students.
   
• $100,000 Workforce Development Grant: RPCC received significant funding through the FUEL Scale Fund to enhance energy-focused training and equip students with cutting-edge tools and credentials.
   
• Launch of Innovative Programs: RPCC recently debuted its Health Information Technology (HIT) program, earning national recognition as a CAHIIM Future Education Model demonstration site, preparing students for careers in health information management and medical coding.
   
• Expanded Dual-Credit Pathways: Partnerships with local school systems have created new Early College Tech and dual enrollment options in career fields such as process technology and instrumentation, allowing high school students to earn college credits while completing their diploma.

RPCC’s open-admission policy means that future students can begin their journey with a simple online application, making higher education accessible to individuals at every stage of life and career.

For more information on academic programs, visit rpcc.edu/academics/academic-programs. For workforce training opportunities, visit rpcc.edu/workforce-training/workforce-and-career-training.
 

RPCC, a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), is committed to providing equal opportunity and nondiscrimination to all educational and employment applicants and to its students, faculty, and staff. This commitment extends without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, covered veteran’s status, or genetic information. It encompasses the administration of education policies, programs, and activities, including admissions policies; scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, and other Institution-administered programs. This commitment to non-discrimination is in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), Executive Order 11246, Executive Order 13988, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 as amended by the Jobs for Veterans Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, as amended, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. Additionally, it is in compliance with any other applicable Federal and Louisiana State laws against discrimination.

Any student who believes they have experienced discrimination or harassment should report their complaint to the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator, Dr. Shalither S. Cushenberry, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 225-743-8526. Employees should direct any complaints to Brian Vermeire in the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] or 225-743-8539. RPCC prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports a complaint or participates in an investigation. This includes protection against any adverse action taken for making a good faith report of discrimination or harassment. Upon receiving a complaint, the designated coordinator will acknowledge receipt and initiate an investigation. This investigation may involve interviews with the complainant, the accused, and any witnesses. The investigation will be conducted promptly and confidentially to the extent possible. All parties involved, including the complainant and the alleged perpetrator, will receive updates on the investigation’s progress. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Coordinator will provide a summary of findings to both the complainant and the accused. Appropriate action will be taken based on the investigation results, which may include disciplinary measures up to and including termination or expulsion. This policy aligns with the standards outlined in LCTCS Policy 9.001 and aims to create a safe and equitable environment for all members of the RPCC community.