Oklahoma CareerTech seeks more funds for workforce training
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education asked state lawmakers Wednesday for a $19.3 million increase in state funding to add or expand career training programs and help meet the employment demands of Oklahoma businesses and industries.
Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, Oklahoma CareerTech State Director Brent Haken submitted a budget request of $211,801,505 for fiscal year 2026, a 10% increase over CareerTech’s fiscal 2025 state appropriation.
Haken said $41.65 million would be used to add or expand career training programs in a wide range of industries, including $10.95 million for health careers, $9.9 million for construction trades and $8.3 million for manufacturing. He said $12.5 million would be used to add 37 new career programs in other areas, including agriculture, public safety and STEM.
“Oklahoma’s workforce is the backbone of our economy, and CareerTech is at the forefront of preparing individuals for high-demand careers,” Haken said. “By increasing state funding for career training programs, we can expand opportunities for Oklahomans, equip businesses with skilled employees and ensure our state remains competitive in a rapidly evolving job market. Investing in CareerTech is an investment in Oklahoma’s future.”
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
CareerTech talks to KOCO about STEM education
Oklahoma CareerTech STEM Division Manager Tonja Norwood recently talked to KOCO News about how CareerTech is helping Oklahoma teachers shape the workforce of the future.
“When we expose teachers to great things, they turn around and expose students to great things,” Norwood told the news station.
CareerTech and OkACTE are hosting a STEM Mid-Winter Conference on Jan. 31 at Metro Technology Centers in Oklahoma City. The conference will offer teachers the chance to connect with fellow teachers and learn about trends, innovations and best practices in STEM education.
Watch and read the news story on the KOCO website.
Sequoyah High School plans ag program
Sequoyah High School, a Bureau of Indian Education school, has plans to add an agricultural education program next year.
The program is a result of an agreement among the Cherokee Nation, the BIE, the Native American Agriculture Fund and the Tribal Agriculture Fellowship. They are partnering with Oklahoma CareerTech, which oversees agricultural education programs in Oklahoma secondary schools.
Read more on the Tahlequah Daily Press website.
Kiamichi Tech expanding opportunities at Durant campus
Kiamichi Technology Centers – Durant is expanding career training opportunities with new and refreshed programs in the fall.
The programs include biotechnology, cosmetology, interactive media and medical assistant (pre-nursing).
“It is crucial that we offer programs needed for job employment and economic development in our area,” Campus Director J. Scott Lowrance told the Durant Democrat. “There was a lot of consideration, research, and planning that went into the decision to expand these offerings at our campus, and we look forward to welcoming new students in these programs in the fall.”
Read more on the Durant Democrat website.
Useful links
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State Agency Assistance at a Glance
National Research Center for Career and Technical Education
OK Career Guide Training Opportunities
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