CareerTech boasts more than half a million enrollments
Oklahoma CareerTech recorded more than half a million enrollments in fiscal year 2025.
Systemwide enrollment was 517,752. Technology center enrollments -- business and industry training, adult and career development, secondary and postsecondary full-time programs and single-course programs -- were 352,663. Secondary technology center enrollments were 24,662.
An increase in funding in fiscal year 2024 allowed CareerTech to add 280 new career readiness programs in K-12 schools, paving the way for earlier career exposure and training. In FY25, the number of fifth graders participating in CareerTech programs increased 84%.
“With additional funding we were able to expand opportunities for students of all ages, exposing them to career possibilities and exploration in earlier grades and provide training and education to meet Oklahoma’s economic and workforce needs,” said Oklahoma CareerTech State Director Brent Haken.
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
CareerTech, partners forge apprenticeship path to teacher certification
CareerTech, in partnership with Oklahoma higher education and workforce partners, implemented the Teaching to Teach Apprenticeship Program this semester, aiming to change the lives of more than 80 professionals already working in Oklahoma schools.
The Teaching to Teach Apprenticeship Program is a strategic initiative designed to prepare work-ready teachers through existing employment at an eligible school district, technology center or early learning center in an effort to increase the number of certified teachers and address education workforce shortages.
A partnership between Oklahoma CareerTech and the Regional University System of Oklahoma, the Teaching to Teach Apprenticeship Program will provide eligible participants with a scholarship. By participating as an apprentice in the Teaching to Teach Apprenticeship Program, apprentices complete education training from one of the six regional universities and complete on-the-job training under a mentor at their school districts, technology centers or early learning centers.
CareerTech represented on Workforce and Economic Development list
The Journal Record named four professionals in the Oklahoma CareerTech system to its 2025 Top Leaders in Workforce and Economic Development list.
Named to the list were Brent Haken, Oklahoma CareerTech state director; Jeremiah Graham, Metro Technology Centers director of health career programs; Josh Shandy, Canadian Valley Technology Center director of workforce and economic development; and Molly Kyler, Pioneer Technology Center executive director of business and industry services.
The list “honors the professionals leading the charge in creating opportunities and advancing prosperity,” the newspaper said.
Read more on The Journal Record website.
CV Tech student named to Federal Reserve board
Jacob Pleasant, a senior at Mustang High School and Canadian Valley Technology Center, has been named to the Federal Reserve Bank’s Oklahoma City Student Board of Directors.
Pleasant is studying accounting and business management at CV Tech and said he applied for the board to learn more about business and economics. After graduation, he plans to continue his education in economics and math and hopes to enter a career as an investment banker or an oil and gas trader.
The Student Board of Directors program contributes to students becoming more knowledgeable citizens by increasing understanding of economic, financial and occupational topics through collaboration with peers and business leaders. Students learn about the central bank and its role in the U.S. economy.
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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