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.
“The third round for technology centers placed an emphasis on Oklahoma’s critical occupations list, with additional consideration given to technology centers serving rural areas and the level of state funding received for operations,” Gray said.
Technology centers receiving grants are investing in a wide range of equipment, including for programs in health science, HVAC, welding, construction, mechanical trades and electrical trades.
The K-12 districts receiving grants are using them for classroom resources including laptops, 3D printers, software and other computer equipment; landscaping, greenhouse and other agricultural education equipment; welding equipment; shop equipment; video production equipment; virtual reality systems and software; culinary arts equipment; textile arts equipment; health science equipment; family and child care equipment; aviation simulators; and robotics.
“Through the lottery grants, Oklahoma CareerTech supports schools and tech centers investing in innovative equipment that enhances learning and gives students access to high-quality hands-on training that helps them prepare for workforce success and builds a pipeline of skilled talent in the state,” said Brent Haken, Oklahoma CareerTech state director.
Oklahoma CareerTech receives 5.5% of the Oklahoma Education Lottery Trust Fund, which it uses to help CareerTech programs upgrade equipment and to provide scholarships to educators to continue their own education to fulfill CareerTech teacher certification and credential requirements. Ten percent of the money is used for scholarships, and 45% each goes to K-12 grants and tech center grants.
The FY27 lottery grants cycle opened this month for approved CareerTech programs in K-12 schools and technology centers.
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.
