Oklahoma CareerTech recorded more than half a million enrollments in fiscal year 2025.
Systemwide enrollment was 517,752. Technology center enrollments -- business and industry training, adult and career development, secondary and postsecondary full-time programs and single-course programs -- were 352,663. Secondary technology center enrollments were 24,662.
An increase in funding in fiscal year 2024 allowed CareerTech to add 280 new career readiness programs in K-12 schools, paving the way for earlier career exposure and training. In FY25, the number of fifth graders participating in CareerTech programs increased 84%.
“With additional funding we were able to expand opportunities for students of all ages, exposing them to career possibilities and exploration in earlier grades and provide training and education to meet Oklahoma’s economic and workforce needs,” said Oklahoma CareerTech State Director Brent Haken.
That expansion led CareerTech to achieve a five-year enrollment goal two years early. When he joined the agency in January 2023, Haken set a goal to increase K-12 enrollments from 138,000 to 150,000 by 2028. In FY25, more than 151,000 Oklahoma middle, junior high and high school students participated in CareerTech programs.
CareerTech has taken the lead for apprenticeships in Oklahoma. The agency serves as the state’s hub for registered apprenticeships through the U.S. Department of Labor and also Oklahoma certified apprenticeship models that tie to other rigorous and focused work-based learning opportunities hosted by CareerTech.
“Apprenticeships are a highly effective way to connect education and careers, which is what makes Oklahoma CareerTech the ideal agency to take point on apprenticeship programs. The task is what the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education has done since its inception,” Haken said.
Most CareerTech students find jobs, continue their education or enter the military after completing their programs. The positive placement for CareerTech program completers is 94%.
CareerTech offered programs in 394 K-12 school districts during fiscal 2025, with 1,574 teachers. Its 29 technology center districts had 63 campuses and 1,214 teachers. The 63rd campus was added in May when Gordon Cooper Technology Center added a fifth instructor to its aviation maintenance technology program.
Enrollment in adult education and family literacy was 11,089, with 49 providers offering AEFL programs at 125 sites.
CareerTech student organization membership reached a record high for the fourth consecutive year, with 122,929 members in Business Professionals of America; DECA; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; FFA; HOSA; SkillsUSA; and Technology Student Association.
Oklahoma CareerTech served 10,604 businesses in fiscal 2025. Through its business and industry training programs, CareerTech helps Oklahoma businesses increase their profitability, contributing to the state’s economic growth. The programs can be customized to fit the needs of local businesses.
CareerTech’s Skills Centers School System had 1,286 graduates. The skills centers specialize in delivering career and technology education to inmates under the supervision of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and to juveniles under the supervision of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs.
Oklahoma CareerTech: Oklahoma’s Workforce Leader
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 63 campuses, 394 PK-12 school districts, 20 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 49 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.
