October 18, 2025 Issue, Page 9 of 12

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NEWS The Elk City News SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2025 • 9 Oklahoma CareerTech surpasses K-12 enrollment goal two years early Oklahoma CareerTech has exceeded Brian Hill, R-Mustang. “Oklahoma Ca- and industry leaders have fueled the students earned 34,771 industry-en- dent,” he said. “It’s the result of educa- its five-year goal for K-12 enrollment reerTech has become a cornerstone of growth, expanding opportunities for dorsed certifications, up 58% from tors who believe in the power of hands- more than two years ahead of schedule, workforce development in our schools. students to explore pathways in fields 21,890 in fiscal 2023. on learning and communities that see CareerTech State Director Brent Haken This milestone shows that Oklahoma is such as health care, information tech- “Those certificates go through a com- the value of preparing students for both told state House lawmakers Monday. leading the way nationally in integrating nology, construction, agriculture and mittee in our office to make sure they college and career.” In 2023, CareerTech set a target to career training into K-12 education.” manufacturing. are aligned and signed off by an indus- grow K-12 enrollments from 138,000 The increase in K-12 enrollments CareerTech is the state’s hub for reg- try,” Haken said. OKLAHOMA CAREERTECH: OKLA- to 150,000 by 2028. That goal was sur- comes as Oklahoma continues to align istered apprenticeships. Haken said the Also, more than 122,000 Oklahoma HOMA’S WORKFORCE LEADER passed in fiscal year 2025, with more its education and workforce initiatives agency is expanding those opportunities students developed leadership and ca- The Oklahoma Department of Career than 151,000 Oklahoma students partic- to meet the needs of a rapidly changing through CareerTech apprenticeships by reer skills as members of Oklahoma Ca- and Technology Education provides ipating in CareerTech programs in mid- economy. CareerTech’s early achieve- partnering with organizations such as reerTech student organizations in fiscal leadership and resources and assures dle, junior high and high schools across ment of this goal underscores the state’s the Regional University System of Okla- 2025, setting an all-time high for the standards of excellence for a compre- Oklahoma. commitment to equipping students with homa. The goal is to provide a statewide fourth consecutive year. Membership, hensive statewide system of career and Haken said the growth reflects an the skills needed to thrive in tomorrow’s program and to facilitate apprentice- Haken said, is outgrowing much larger technology education. The system offers ongoing effort to add programs and re- workforce. ships offered under the U.S. Department states per capita. programs and services in 29 technology sources for K-12 schools and a strong In fiscal 2025, which ended June 30, of Labor’s registered apprenticeship pro- “Students need to be motivated to center districts operating on 63 campus- demand for career readiness education Oklahoma CareerTech recorded an 84% gram. come to school,” he told lawmakers. es, 395 PK-12 school districts, 16 Skills among students, parents, educators and increase in the number of fifth graders “This is really a pilot for what the state “This is our fix to that. Every student Centers campuses that include three ju- employers. CareerTech recently added participating in a CareerTech program, can do in the area of apprenticeships,” that comes through our doors must be venile facilities and 32 adult education 280 new career readiness programs in Haken said. Haken said. “We need to have more in- afforded the opportunity to be a part and family literacy providers. K-12 schools, thanks to additional fund- “This is one of our fastest growing ar- dustry-recognized certificates ready for of a CareerTech student organization. The agency is governed by the State ing for fiscal year 2024, Haken said. eas, and it’s going to continue to grow,” our Oklahoma businesses. We are an ed- It’s the way we make sure they have soft Board of Career and Technology Edu- “When we talk about what makes a he said. “Our STEM division is really ucation for businesses. That’s how we’re skills and skills that keep them in jobs.” cation and works closely with the State change in Oklahoma’s education sys- diving into fifth grade and making sure built. The students that we turn out are Haken credited teachers, administra- Department of Education and the State tem; it’s getting to students early and they have what they need.” our product. We’re very mindful of what tors and local CareerTech centers for Regents for Higher Education to pro- often,” Haken told lawmakers during Haken said CareerTech’s partnerships our economy needs.” driving the success. vide a seamless educational system for an interim study led by District 47 Rep. with local school districts, businesses In fiscal 2024, Oklahoma CareerTech “This growth doesn’t happen by acci- all Oklahomans. ELK CITY 6A Mustang Boys Tennis Invitational The only 4A school in a 6A field tournament, the Big Elks battled and came away with some hardware. After en- during Super Tiebreakers in multiple matches throughout the day, the final results from the day were 1S - Quinn Brewer - 3rd; 2S - Kade Duncan - 3rd; 1D - Rafe Coslow/ Spence Brewer - 2nd; and 2D - Kollin Walter / Mason Rheaume - 6th. National Honor Society Inductees Good Luck Area Teams! We want to wish you a great season! :UG6W (ON&LW\2.   Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ZZZSL]]DKXWFRP ELK CITY: 2714 W. 3rd St. • 102 S. 580-225-2580 Main St.•580.225.2580 https//www.fnbec.bank 2017 W. Third | 1300 S. Main | gpbankok.com &DUU\RXW‡&XUEVLGH‡'HOLYHU\ *UHDW3ODLQV Carry-out • Hut Lane • Delivery 2017 W. Third | 1300 S. Main | Elk City Wal-Mart | gpbankok.com SAYRE: 711 NE Highway 66 • 580-928-2580 1DWLRQDO%DQN 580-225-2265 Good Luck Teams! We hope each of you have a great season! We hope 1210 S. Main St, Elk City you have 580-225-0100 Elk City Nursing Home a great www.elksupply.com 301 N. Garrett, Elk City 580-225-2811 580.243.0466 year!