Economic impact of CareerTech programs nears $1 billion for state, new study finds
Oklahoma CareerTech’s 29 technology centers, 16 Skills Centers and 32 Adult Education and Family Literacy providers pumped nearly $1 billion into the state economy in fiscal 2023, according to a new report gauging the economic impact of the state’s CareerTech programs.
Altogether, the direct and indirect economic impact of Oklahoma CareerTech’s tech centers, Skills Centers and AEFL providers totaled $960,013,839 and supported 8,654 jobs with $456,203,361 in wages in 2023.
“This remarkable figure reflects the transformative power of our workforce training and educational programs, which equip Oklahomans with the skills needed to succeed in high-demand industries,” said CareerTech State Director Brent Haken. “This impact goes beyond numbers — it represents stronger businesses, higher-paying jobs and a more resilient workforce.”
The CareerTech programs accounted for $29.3 million in income tax and sales tax revenue in 2023. Wages from the more than 8,600 jobs generated $18.5 million in income tax revenue for the state while spending from those wages yielded $10.9 million in state sales tax revenue.
The study, which was paid for by Oklahoma CareerTech and the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education, was conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati Economics Center.
“By continuing to invest in education and training through CareerTech, we are not only strengthening our state's economic future but also providing life-changing opportunities for thousands of Oklahomans,” Haken said. “Thank you to everyone involved for your commitment to making CareerTech a key driver of our state's prosperity.”
The state’s 29 technology centers directly generated $518.7 million in economic output across the state and directly supported 4,745 individuals who received $292 million in wages.
Oklahoma lawmakers appropriated $100 million to the state’s technology centers in fiscal 2023. Every dollar to technology centers yielded $9.39 in economic output for the state, the study found. In addition, every dollar in state funding is estimated to generate $10.48 in earnings for secondary and adult students at technology centers over 10 years.
“This study underscores the vital role CareerTech plays in driving Oklahoma’s economy,” said OkACTE Executive Director Skye McNiel. “As a whole, career and technology education increases the earnings potential for students, generates increased tax revenue for state and local governments and offers programs that yield a positive return on investment.”
The following is a breakdown of the economic impact of the three delivery arms included in the study:
TECHNOLOGY CENTERS
- Direct and indirect economic impact: $939,383,674
- Number of jobs supported: 8,554
- Wages: $451,517,750
- Income tax revenue: $18,249,941
- Sales tax revenue: $10,772,522
SKILLS CENTERS
- Direct and indirect economic impact: $10,998,683
- Number of jobs supported: 95
- Wages: $4,438,371
- Income tax revenue: $4,431
- Sales tax revenue: $2,312
AEFL PROVIDERS
- Direct and indirect economic impact: $9,631,482
- Number of jobs supported: 5
- Wages: $247,240
- Income tax revenue: $10,830
- Sales tax revenue: $5,694
Oklahoma CareerTech’s systemwide enrollments increased 6.3% to 520,733 in fiscal 2024. CareerTech recently announced a goal to increase systemwide enrollments another 15% to a record high of 599,854 in fiscal 2029.
Oklahoma CareerTech programs had a 94% positive placement rate in fiscal 2023, which means nearly all CareerTech graduates found employment, entered the military or continued their education.
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, 397 PK-12 school districts, 16 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.
