CareerTech awards $3.14 million in lottery grants
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education awarded more than $3.14 million in lottery funds to K-12 schools and technology centers in two rounds of grants for fiscal year 2026.
Oklahoma CareerTech moved to awarding the grants in the current fiscal year rather than after the fiscal year ended, so that schools and tech centers can receive funds earlier, said Cori Gray, director of student success. The change allows schools and tech centers to invest in innovative equipment for the FY26 school year, she explained.
Seventeen tech centers received $819,190.88 in the second round, while 87 K-12 schools received $1,593,551.97.
In the third round, eight tech centers received $730,619.64.
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
OSU honors Meridian Tech WED director
Alex Evers, executive director of workforce and economic development at Meridian Technology Center, will receive a Cumulus Award in February from the Oklahoma State University Department of Management Science and Information Systems.
The Cumulus Award is presented to MSIS graduates who make a significant impact early in their careers.
Evers graduated from OSU in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in management information systems with an option in information assurance. Before becoming WED executive director, he was Meridian’s director of business and entrepreneurial services, coaching startups and managing two state-certified business incubators.
Read more on the OSU website.
Distance education informational webinar planned
The Oklahoma CareerTech accreditation division will hold an informational webinar in February for technology centers interested in offering distance education.
The webinar, at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 10, will provide an overview of the process for applying to offer a distance education program. It will include time to ask questions about the application and requirements.
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link for the webinar.
Distance education applications are due March 30 in ctYOU. For more information about CareerTech distance education, visit the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Video series visits Mid-Del Tech
Episode 17 of Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell’s “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech” focuses on Mid-Del Technology Center’s plumbing apprentice program.
Cavin Pugh, a graduate of the program talks about how Mid-Del helped him find a job at Stanley Plumbing Services before his graduation and how his career has changed his life with great pay, opportunities for growth and new challenges every day.
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State Agency Assistance at a Glance
National Research Center for Career and Technical Education
OK Career Guide Training Opportunities
There is no security on this earth; there is only opportunity. -- Douglas MacArthur
