Oklahoma CareerTech

A new agriculture program is launching, thanks to a partnership between the Cherokee Nation, Bureau of Indian Education, Native American Agriculture Fund and the Tribal Agriculture Fellowship. This initiative highlights the importance of agriculture on the Cherokee reservation and opens doors for students to explore opportunities beyond sports and academics. With plans to hire an ag teacher and integrate traditional Native practices with modern techniques, this program will empower the next generation to embrace sustainability, food security and leadership in agriculture. Click the link to learn more about this transformative program and its potential impact on students, families, and communities. -> https://bit.ly/3WsY0n1 #OKCareerTech

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we celebrate his vision for equality, justice, and service to others. Dr. King’s commitment to uplifting communities inspires us to keep striving for a brighter future where opportunity is universal. At Oklahoma CareerTech, we are dedicated to empowering all Oklahomans to achieve their goals and reach their full potential, celebrating the unique backgrounds and perspectives that each individual brings.

Our offices will be closed on Monday, January 20th, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 21st.

Today marks two years since Brent Haken joined Oklahoma CareerTech as our ninth state director! From championing innovation and growth to inspiring teamwork, he’s made a lasting impact on Oklahoma CareerTech—and we’re so glad he’s here. Let’s take a moment to celebrate his leadership, dedication and, of course, his ability to juggle all things CareerTech with a smile. Here's to many more years of success! #OKCareerTech

A big thank-you to Oklahoma TSA state officers Darick Pham and Asbah Talal for presenting at today’s CareerTech Board meeting! They highlighted the amazing work TSA is doing, shared their goals for 2025, and showcased the leadership opportunities available for students. Did you know? Oklahoma TSA enrollment has skyrocketed by 30% this year, with 14 new chapters and a 26% increase in students attending the state conference. This growth reflects the organization’s impact on students, schools, and communities across the state. TSA is a national organization dedicated to preparing students for success in STEM fields while building leadership skills through hands-on activities and competitions. Whether it’s coding, engineering, design, or robotics, TSA helps students explore their passions while shaping their future. Let’s continue to grow Oklahoma TSA and inspire the next generation of leaders. T o learn more about Oklahoma TSA, please visit oktsa.org. . #okcareertech

It is International Mentoring Day, and at #OKCareerTech we know mentorship is essential in shaping successful careers. Apprenticeships, like those in HVAC, offer a perfect example of mentorship in action. Through hands-on experience, apprentices work directly with industry professionals to gain valuable skills, earn wages, and build a strong foundation for their careers. Employers like Dustin Kunnanz, owner of Ironclad Heating and Air, are seeing the benefits firsthand: “Apprenticeships are really growing our business and speeding up the process for new hires to gain experience.” (Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gjWnE3KN) We’re proud to lead the way in connecting students with industry-driven apprenticeships and look forward to expanding these opportunities for Oklahomans across the state! #InternationalMentoringDay #NationalMentoringMonth #OKCareerTech

Discover how Oklahoma CareerTech's STEM division is empowering teachers to shape the future workforce! From biomed to aerospace, educators are updating their curriculum and collaborating to inspire success in students across the state. Click the link to read the full article and see how Oklahoma is aligning STEM education with industry needs! #OKCareerTech #stemeducation #oklahomastem

The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education is requesting a $19.3 million increase in state funding to expand career training programs and meet the workforce demands of Oklahoma’s businesses and industries. State Director Brent Haken presented the proposal to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education this morning, outlining plans to add or expand training programs in health careers, construction trades and manufacturing, as well as introduce 37 new programs in areas such as agriculture, public safety, and STEM. The request also includes funding to enhance services for K-12 schools, underserved areas, and transition programs for inmates entering the workforce. With over 520,000 enrollments in fiscal year 2024 and a 94% positive placement rate, CareerTech has proven its efficiency in training skilled workers while operating with less than 10% of the state education budget. Click here to learn more about how this investment will help strengthen Oklahoma’s future workforce: https://bit.ly/4je27wV

#NationalMentoringMonth Highlight CareerTech centers across Oklahoma are providing apprenticeship and mentorship opportunities for Oklahomans and businesses to thrive. Watch the video to learn how the apprenticeship-focused relationship between Canadian Valley Technology Center's precision machinists and Mustang-based Security Solutions has provided students with specialized training and a great employment opportunity. Watch now: https://lnkd.in/g6397HKE

Stay connected to all things #okcareertech! Catch all the latest updates in this week's Director's Memo! Click the link to read more! --> https://bit.ly/4jgJk3Y