The Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation recently awarded more than $89,000 in scholarships to 194 postsecondary students in Oklahoma.
The foundation distributed $89,840 in Otha Grimes scholarships to students attending Oklahoma CareerTech technology centers. Scholarships ranged from $300 to $600 per student.
“Oklahoma CareerTech and the CareerTech Foundation are proud to be able to support students continuing their education and preparing for their careers in our technology centers around the state,” said Oklahoma CareerTech State Director Brent Haken.
The scholarships, which are awarded twice a year, are used for school expenses and may be released to students after their balances have been paid for the semester. The scholarships are available to adult students who are Oklahoma residents enrolled in programs at Oklahoma CareerTech technology centers.
Otha Grimes owned Ogeechee Farms in Fairland and was considered a pioneer in the performance testing movement that has become the standard management practice for beef cattle producers.
He served on the Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation board of directors and was a staunch supporter of education, providing scholarships to many educational institutions, including the foundation.
“Otha Grimes, a wealthy oilman, was a great supporter of the Oklahoma career and technology system. Upon his death a foundation was established in his name by his family to help fund adult students with their financial needs in technology centers,” said Phil Berkenbile, president of the Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation. “Last year the foundation gave out 362 scholarships for a total disbursement in the amount of $135,086. Millions of dollars have been given out because of this generous man.”
Grimes was inducted into the CareerTech Hall of Fame in 1990.
Oklahoma CareerTech: Education that works for you
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 60 campuses, 391 PK-12 school districts, 15 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 32 adult education and family literacy providers.
The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans.
