River Parishes Community College (RPCC) is expanding access to one of Louisiana’s most in-demand workforce programs by offering evening Process Technology (PTEC) classes at Donaldsonville High School beginning in Fall 2026. The initiative is designed to provide working adults and parents with a convenient pathway into high-wage careers in the petrochemical, refining, and manufacturing industries.
Through this partnership, students will be able to complete the first two semesters of RPCC’s accredited Process Technology program on the Donaldsonville High School campus during evening hours. The program will lead students toward industry-recognized credentials while preparing them for entry-level operator positions in chemical processing, refining, and manufacturing industries.
The River Parishes region is home to a dense concentration of industrial employers, many of whom have identified a growing need for qualified process technicians. By bringing college coursework directly into the Donaldsonville community, RPCC aims to remove barriers such as transportation challenges, childcare responsibilities, and work schedules that often prevent prospective students from pursuing higher education and workforce training opportunities.
“Industry continues to tell us that the demand for skilled process technicians remains strong, and we know there are talented individuals in our communities who need a more accessible pathway into these careers,” said Dr. Donovan Thompson, Associate Vice Chancellor of Innovation & Energy Sciences at River Parishes Community College. “By offering evening Process Technology courses at Donaldsonville High School, we are meeting students where they are and creating new opportunities for residents to gain the skills needed for rewarding careers that support both their families and the economic growth of our region.”
Students enrolled in the Donaldsonville cohort will begin with two first-semester courses during Fall 2026: Introduction to Process Technology and Plant Health, Safety & Environment. Successful completion of these courses will allow students to earn a Career and Technical Certificate. During Spring 2027, students will continue with coursework in Plant Equipment and Process Instrumentation, moving them closer to earning a Certificate of Technical Studies and ultimately an Associate of Applied Science degree.
To help prospective students learn more about the program, RPCC plans to host a community information session on June 17 at 5:00 PM and orientation session on July 15 at 5:00 PM both at Donaldsonville High School prior to the start of classes. These sessions will provide information about admissions, financial aid, registration, and career opportunities available through the Process Technology pathway.
The expansion reflects RPCC’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and strengthening the talent pipeline that supports Louisiana’s industrial corridor.
For more information about the Process Technology program or to express interest in enrolling, visit River Parishes Community College online at rpcc.edu.