More Oklahoma students than ever are CTSO members
More than 122,000 Oklahoma students are developing leadership and career skills as members of Oklahoma CareerTech student organizations, setting an all-time high for the fourth consecutive year.
This fall, 122,929 students joined one of seven co-curricular CTSOs: Business Professionals of America; DECA; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; FFA; HOSA -- Future Health Professionals; SkillsUSA; and TSA.
The record growth was driven by a 38% increase in TSA membership, highlighting students’ growing interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“The surge in TSA membership reflects the growing demand for opportunities that connect students’ classroom learning to real-world STEM applications,” said Tami Redus, TSA state adviser. “TSA provides students with more than just competitions; it gives them leadership experiences, career exploration and the confidence to apply their skills beyond school. That’s the real value of belonging to a CareerTech student organization: Students find a place where they can grow, lead and discover their futures.”
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Meridian Tech client fighting bacteria with viruses
Paldara Pharmaceuticals, a client of the Center for Business Development at Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater, is working hard to fight deadly bacteria with viruses that feed on them.
The viruses are “super small and only adapted to infect certain bacteria,” CEO William Colton told KFOR.
Others have researched the viruses, called phages, but in its lab at Meridian, the company is developing a better delivery system with phages that don’t require refrigeration, the news station reported.
Read more on the KFOR website.
Metro Tech, Southeast High School team up on aviation
Metro Technology Centers and Southeast High School in Oklahoma City have partnered on a new SHS center to give students a start on aviation careers.
The center allows students to get hands-on experience with new simulators. Students also learn about maintenance and what goes on behind the scenes, KOCO reported.
Read more and see video on the KOCO website.
City of Lawton honors Great Plains student
Great Plains Technology Center student Christopher Hilz received a Mayoral Citation during a recent Lawton City Council meeting.
He was honored his leadership, service and dedication to his community, demonstrated through his Eagle Scout project: the construction of an ADA-compliant, wheelchair accessible gazebo for senior citizens.
Hilz is a student at Great Plains and Lawton High School and is active in Scouts BSA and Civil Air Patrol.
Read more on the city of Lawton 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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