Building Pathways for Tomorrow’s Rural Workforce
Economic Pathways Coalition: an emerging nonprofit venture dedicated to creating pre-postsecondary pathways in rural Alabama through high-tech, mobile learning programs.
Our Mission
Economic Pathways Coalition (EPC) partners with rural Wiregrass communities to support K–12 students’ postsecondary readiness by expanding access to aviation, AI, and agricultural technology learning experiences aligned with Alabama’s education and workforce frameworks.
New name, same mission
Creek Cultural Center is now Economic Pathways Coalition! Our legal name with the IRS is still Creek Cultural Center (EIN 99-4267737) while the update is processed, but we’re excited to carry our work forward under a name that reflects our focus on economic opportunity.
The Challenges Facing Rural Alabama
Youth Outmigration
Too many young people feel they must leave home to find opportunity.
STEM & CTE Access Gaps
Rural schools lack hands-on, industry-aligned experiences in aviation, drones, AI, and emerging technologies.
Talent Retention
Local industries cannot grow without a steady pipeline of skilled workers.
Our Flagship Pilot: Mobile STEM Aviation Lab (MSAL)
A mobile, high-tech classroom delivering aviation, drone, and AI career pathways aligned with Alabama’s new Option B Workforce Diploma and Career Readiness Indicators.
Flight simulation
Drone operations
AI & computer vision labs
TRUST certificate
Part 107 preparation
CTE pathway alignment
Our Program Ecosystem
EPC is building a three-part system connecting students from curiosity to credentials to career.
Mobile STEM Aviation Lab (MSAL) — Flagship Pilot
Business Technology Center (BTC) — Concept Ready, Partnership Phase
Generation Forward Learning Farm (GFLF) — Concept Ready, Seeking Collaborators
Who We Serve & Who We Partner With
Supporting Our Youth, Educators and Industries
- Rural students and families
- Home school networks
- School districts, colleges and CTE leaders
- Employers in aviation, construction, and ag-tech
- Philanthropic, corporate, and public sector funders