CareerTech names Employee of the Quarter
Oklahoma CareerTech recently named Accreditation Services Manager Joey Vanek as Employee of the Quarter.
Vanek was cited for his commitment to his work, his willingness to go above and beyond and his positive attitude.
One nominator said he brought the accreditation process into the year 2026 by creating a hands-on experience to train new examiners and revamping and streamlining the process of scoring and giving feedback.
He developed a new online platform on ctYOU, created the new annual accreditation process and its ctYOU platform and redesigned the five-year accreditation platform on ctYOU.
Recently, he also organized a potluck lunch for several divisions in the north building, giving the people in those divisions the chance to build camaraderie and connection over a meal.
“Joey is the kind of coworker and leader people enjoy being around. He works hard, helps others without hesitation, brings people together and manages a demanding job while remaining upbeat and approachable. His professionalism is matched by his kindness and humor, and those qualities have a positive impact well beyond his own division,” one nominator wrote.
Francis Tuttle’s Project HOPE celebrates 30 years
Project HOPE at Francis Tuttle Technology Center recently celebrated 30 years of comebacks.
The high school dropout prevention and recovery program at Francis Tuttle Technology Center offers a pathway out of an academic hole that can appear for many reasons.
“For three decades, Project HOPE has been a place where students rediscover confidence, rebuild their futures, and reclaim their education,” Project HOPE Principal Randa Pirrong said at the program’s 30th anniversary celebration. “Through personalized support, career training and a deep belief in every student’s potential, Project HOPE has helped hundreds turn obstacles into opportunities.”
Students spend time in the classroom, where they catch up on high school work, and in career training.
Read more on the Francis Tuttle website.
Donation makes store possible at Mid-America Tech
Mid-America Technology Center has opened the District 8 Hub Store to help students meet everyday needs, thanks to an $84,000 donation from CVR Energy.
The store gives students access to meals, clothing and classroom supplies. Plans are underway to allow students to pay with their MATC ID badges through student accounts. Some students qualify to receive items for free, and the badge system gives all students the same checkout experience.
“When a student is worried about where their next meal is coming from or whether they have the right gear for class, it’s hard to focus on learning,” said Mike Eubank, superintendent. “We’re grateful to CVR Energy for investing in our students this way. This store removes some of those barriers so our students can show up ready to work, build their skills and take full advantage of the opportunities in front of them. That’s what we mean when we tell students to ‘Discover Your Competitive Advantage.’”
Read more on the MATC website.
Western Tech hosts Next Step Summit
Western Technology Center hosted a Next Step Summit for more than 500 current students, allowing them to explore career pathways, postsecondary education options and workforce readiness skills as they prepare for graduation.
The students met with representatives of colleges, universities, the military and local businesses during the resource fair. They also had the opportunity to have professional headshots taken.
Breakout sessions focused on life and career skills, including interviews, benefits, finances, artificial intelligence and ADA.
Read more on The Cordell Beacon website.
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State Agency Assistance at a Glance
National Research Center for Career and Technical Education
OK Career Guide Training Opportunities
It is not the size of a man but the size of his heart that matters. -- Evander Holyfield
