River Parishes Community College (RPCC), in partnership with Ascension Public Schools and regional industry leaders, recently hosted two EPIC E3 Academy Winter Showcases highlighting student learning, innovation, and community collaboration. The showcases took place January 8 at Lowery Elementary School in Donaldsonville and January 15 at Sorrento Primary School, welcoming families, educators, industry partners, and community leaders to experience the impact of the EPIC E3 Academy firsthand.
The Winter Showcases provided an opportunity for students to share what they learned during the first semester of the EPIC E3 Academy, a project-based after-school program that introduces third-grade students to energy science concepts and careers. Through hands-on projects, students explored how clean energy impacts their community while gaining early awareness of the diverse energy science careers available throughout the River Region.
The events featured student presentations, interactive project displays, and opportunities for families and guests to engage directly with students as they explained concepts related to energy types and real-world applications.
About the EPIC E3 Academy
The EPIC E3 Academy is a collaborative initiative designed to introduce elementary students to energy and engineering concepts at an early age while strengthening connections between education, industry, and workforce pathways. The program was developed through a partnership between River Parishes Community College and Ascension Public Schools, with support from industry partners who recognize the importance of building awareness and curiosity around energy and STEM-related careers.
Through hands-on, age-appropriate learning experiences, students explore how energy impacts their daily lives and communities, while developing critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. The Academy also serves as an early bridge to future educational opportunities, helping students and families see how learning today connects to careers tomorrow.
“These showcases represent far more than a single evening,” said RPCC Chancellor Quintin Taylor. “They are the result of a shared commitment to our students and to the future of the communities we serve. We are grateful for the continued support of Ascension Public Schools, our industry partners like Air Products, OxyChem, and others, and the many community members who believe in the power of early exposure to education and career pathways. I also want to commend our RPCC faculty and staff whose dedication and behind-the-scenes work made these events — and this program — possible.”
RPCC plans to continue expanding and strengthening the EPIC E3 Academy through sustained partnerships, additional student learning opportunities, and future showcases that celebrate student growth and community collaboration.
For more information about the EPIC E3 Academy and RPCC partnerships, visit epiclouisiana.org/e3-academy.