Administration freezes $7.5 million in federal adult education funding
Oklahoma CareerTech did not receive more than $7.5 million in federal grants for adult education programs because the Trump administration froze the funding over concerns it was paying to educate undocumented immigrants.
Oklahoma CareerTech oversees adult education and family literacy programs offered by 30 providers at 119 sites. The programs include helping adults earn high school diploma equivalency.
Most have paused operation over the funding issue, which affects more than 500 teachers who are employed outside ODCTE.
Read more on the Oklahoma Voice website.
Oklahoma CareerTech mourns the passing of Bob Funk Sr.
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education joins countless Oklahomans in mourning the passing of Bob Funk Sr., co-founder of Express Employment Professionals and a tireless advocate for skills-based education and workforce development.
Funk, known nationally for building one of the largest staffing companies in North America, was also a passionate supporter of Oklahoma CareerTech and its mission to prepare students and adults for success in high-demand careers. Throughout his career, Funk championed the value of hands-on training and consistently emphasized the importance of connecting education to the needs of business and industry.
“Bob Funk believed in the dignity of work and the power of giving people the tools to succeed,” said CareerTech State Director Brent Haken. “He was a true partner to Oklahoma CareerTech. His voice, influence and advocacy helped elevate career and technical education across our state. Many of you may not realize how instrumental he was in promoting our system to business leaders and policymakers alike. He genuinely believed CareerTech was the key to a stronger Oklahoma.”
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website and watch an interview with Funk on the Oklahoma CareerTech YouTube channel.
Oklahoma FCCLA takes largest group ever to national conference
Oklahoma FCCLA took its largest delegation ever to the National Leadership Conference and returned with 19 national champions, a national officer and many other awards.
Tennyson Elrod Spears, Wright City, was installed as national vice president of competitive events at the 80th Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, while Brandon Weibel, Silo FCCLA, wrapped up his year as national president.
In STAR Events, Oklahoma FCCLA brought home 15 national champions; nine national runners-up; 12 third place finishers; and 74 Top Ten STAR Event finalists. The delegation also boasted one Skill Demonstration national champion; one Skill Demonstration national runner-up; three Challenge Test national champions; one Challenge Test national runner-up; and a top 10 FCCLA/LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl team.
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
CareerTech board member sworn in
Ryan Deatherage was sworn in as a member of the Oklahoma State Board of Career and Technology Education at the board’s meeting last week.
Deatherage is an experienced business owner and emergency management professional with a proven track record in leadership, crisis management and organizational development. With a background in agriculture business and extensive FEMA training, he has dedicated his career to serving communities through strategic planning, volunteer coordination and business growth.
Deatherage represents District 3 on the board. Read more about him on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Video highlights Oklahoma SkillsUSA 2025 State Leadership Conference
Boasting more than 18,000 members, Oklahoma SkillsUSA is a major player at the national level of an organization that lives and breathes workforce development.
About 3,000 student-members gathered in Tulsa at their State Leadership and Skills Conference toward the conclusion of the spring 2025 semester to compete and collaborate in a wide array of skilled trades, leadership and job readiness contests.
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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