CareerTech expands innovative grants to smaller schools
Oklahoma CareerTech is expanding a grant opportunity to smaller schools that were not previously eligible.
The innovative grants are awarded through funds from the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which amended the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Act of 2006. Oklahoma receives about $18.4 million every year in Perkins grant money; 15% of the pass-through dollars is set aside for reserve funds. The other 85% is allocated to schools based on a federal formula.
“Oklahoma uses the reserve funds to provide innovative grant opportunities to distribute funding to schools across the state to expand CareerTech education opportunities for students,” said Steve Robison, federal grants compliance manager at Oklahoma CareerTech. “The purpose of the innovative grants is to develop new and sustainable projects for high need areas and create more innovative projects for classrooms.”
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Video: Teach 2 Lead transitions industry pros to CareerTech classrooms
CareerTech teachers face the challenge of preparing all students for the high-performance workplace of the 21st century and for continued learning throughout life.
Increasingly, teachers are using an alternative route to certification. Many of these new teachers have years of experience working in the field in which they aim to teach.
These new teachers need timely, focused professional development and a significant amount of support to transition to the classroom.
This fall, Oklahoma CareerTech caught up with this year’s Teach 2 Lead participants, new CareerTech tech center and skills centers instructors who are receiving professional development and program/peer observation opportunities.
Oklahomans honored at ACTE CareerTech Vision
Three Oklahomans were honored at ACTE’s CareerTech Vision 2025 conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Two received national awards, and one was honored as a national award finalist.
Lori Laufer, Oklahoma CareerTech workforce and economic development regional coordinator, was named the PACE Ambassador of the Year. Laufer serves as a liaison between ODCTE and technology centers, supporting the tech centers as they deliver training and resources to businesses and industries in their districts.
Valerie Tibbs, S.C.O.R.E./career counselor at Great Plains Technology Center, received the National ACTE Counseling and Career Development Professional of the Year award. The award goes to CTE educators at the postsecondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Tibbs has served Great Plains’ School of Career Opportunities and Real Education program since 2007.
Heather Monks, Ponca City High School marketing education teacher and DECA adviser, was honored as a national finalist for the Carl Perkins Community Service Award. She uses hands-on projects and partnerships with local organizations to teach her students the value of service, empathy and civic responsibility.
Former CV Tech apprentice advances at Integris Health
Enrolling in a registered apprenticeship through Canadian Valley Technology Center helped an Integris Health employee move from behind a desk into direct patient care.
Brittany Johns was working as a patient service representative when she enrolled in the CV Tech medical assistant program, which offered a U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship. Oklahoma CareerTech took the lead on apprenticeships in the state, including U.S. Labor Department registered apprenticeships, last year.
Johns attended class three days a week, worked at Integris two days a week and kept her regular pay. When she completed the program and earned the credential, she got more responsibility and a higher paycheck as a registered medical assistant.
Read more on the CV Tech website.
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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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