Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN), a Texas-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming rural education and workforce systems, is expanding its EPIC (Empowering People, Inspiring Communities) model into Abilene, Lubbock, and Beaumont, bringing new career-connected opportunities to young adults across these regions.
The EPIC initiative connects rural learners—especially first-generation college-goers, low-income youth, and other underserved populations—to high-wage, high-demand careers through personalized coaching, industry-aligned credentials, and paid work-based learning experiences.
“This expansion allows us to meet young people where they are and connect them directly to real career opportunities in their own communities,” said Dr. Kim Alexander, Founder and CEO of Collegiate Edu-Nation. “It’s about building clear, practical pathways from education to employment.”
Key components of the expansion include individualized Edu-REACH coaching, strong place-based partnerships with schools, colleges, employers, and workforce boards, hands-on apprenticeships, stackable industry-recognized credentials, and technology-driven progress tracking.
In Abilene, Lubbock, and Beaumont, EPIC will align training to regional workforce needs in healthcare, industrial trades, logistics, information technology, and maritime industries.
Over the next three years, CEN expects to serve more than 6,000 young adults, helping thousands earn credentials, enter apprenticeships, and secure higher-paying jobs.
“This support allows us to expand EPIC into new regions, connecting young adults to meaningful careers and strengthening the communities they call home.”
-SUSAN GROVE
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
COLLEGIATE EDU-NATION
Key components of the EPIC expansion include:
- Edu-REACH Coaching: Regional coaches will provide individualized support, from enrollment guidance to job placement assistance.
- Place-Based Partnerships: Cross-sector collaborations with school districts, colleges, workforce boards, employers, and community organizations ensure programming meets local labor market demand
- Work-Based Learning & Apprenticeships: Learners gain hands-on experience in healthcare, industrial trades, logistics, IT, and maritime industries.
- Stackable, Industry-Recognized Credentials: Credentialing pathways allow learners to secure immediate employment while continuing education toward higher degrees.
- Technology-Enhanced Guidance: AI-powered platforms track learner progress, personalize coaching, and facilitate employer engagement.
Regional Focus:
- In Abilene, EPIC leverages its successful pilot program to expand credential programs in HVAC, automotive service, nursing, and data center maintenance, partnering with Abilene ISD, Cisco College, Texas State Technical College, and local employers like Hendrick Health System.
- In Lubbock, EPIC collaborates with Region 17 school districts, South Plains College, Texas Tech University, and employers, providing pathways in industrial maintenance, healthcare support, logistics, and IT.
- In Beaumont, EPIC aligns with the city’s petrochemical, maritime, and healthcare sectors through partnerships and local health systems to deliver training in maritime logistics, safety certifications, industrial trades, and healthcare support.
Over the next three years, CEN anticipates serving over 6,000 young adults across these regions, awarding nearly 5,000 industry-recognized credentials, increasing apprenticeship participation, and raising starting wages for participants above regional averages.
“By expanding EPIC into these strategic regions, we’re not only providing young adults with access to meaningful careers but also strengthening the economic and social fabric of their communities.”
-BRITTANY BARTLEY-WILLIAMS
CHIEF PARTNERSHIPS OFFICER
This funding represents a critical investment in CEN’s three-year EPIC expansion, with additional support coming from a mix of philanthropic grants, Texas Workforce Commission initiatives, and local partnerships.
This expansion is made possible with support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
About Collegiate Edu-Nation:
CEN, based in Roscoe, Texas, is a nonprofit organization committed to ending generational poverty by creating seamless pathways from high school through postsecondary education and into high-wage, high-demand careers. Through initiatives like EPIC, CEN bridges gaps between K-12 education, higher education, and workforce development, serving thousands of students and young adults across rural Texas.
