Building Pathways for Tomorrow’s Rural Workforce
Economic Pathways Coalition: an emerging nonprofit venture dedicated to creating “education-to-employment” pathways in rural Alabama through high-tech, mobile learning programs.
Our Mission
Economic Pathways Coalition (EPC) partners with rural Wiregrass communities as a regional intermediary connecting schools, employers, and community organizations to bring aviation, AI, and ag-tech career pathways to Alabama while building frontline talent for the state’s high-demand industries.
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 and CTE leaders
- Employers in aviation, construction, and ag-tech
- Philanthropic, corporate, and public sector funders