Oklahoma CareerTech leaders are urging lawmakers to strengthen the state’s investment in career and technology education to keep pace with growing workforce demands across the state.
Despite record enrollment and increasing employer needs, the state’s CareerTech system currently receives only 3% of the education budget, a level officials say cannot sustain program expansion or modernization.
“It’s simply not enough to move forward with the demand we have,” CareerTech State Director Brent Haken said during an interim study led by Rep. Mike Lay, R-Jenks. “We have seen a 40% increase in demand since covid.While we have moved forward as much as possible, we will continue to ask for more dollars to make sure the investment matches that demand.”
For the 2027 fiscal year, the agency is requesting $244 million in state appropriations, an increase of $175.5 million in the previous year’s allocation. The additional funds would support expanded training programs, new technology upgrades, facility improvements, and strengthening of employer partnerships to meet growing skill needs across multiple industries.
Haken said CareerTech’s ability to meet statewide labor market goals depends on aligning resources with its mission of preparing students and adults for high-wage, high-demand careers. While enrollment and program interest rose 40%, local ad valorem revenues grow only about 2% a year, and federal support continues to decline.
“If state funding doesn’t improve, the CareerTech system’s capacity to meet demand will continue to fall short,” Haken told the lawmakers.
The agency emphasized that Oklahoma’s investment in CareerTech yields significant returns. In FY 2024, CareerTech students earned 34,771 industry certifications, compared with 38,290 postsecondary diplomas, yet at far lower cost to both students and taxpayers.
Average student debt was just $30.85 per CareerTech certification, versus $16,638 per college diploma. The state’s cost per CareerTech credential was also lower, about $5,938 per certification compared to $21,830 per diploma.
“For students and taxpayers alike, CareerTech delivers high-value credentials and life-changing opportunities,” Haken said. “Sometimes, the smarter investment isn’t the most expensive. It’s the one that pays off in both lives and livelihoods.”
Enrollment continues to climb.
More than 151,000 students participated in CareerTech programs in FY 2025 and student organizations setting records with 123,000 members statewide. The system includes 29 technology center districts, serving Oklahomans through 63 campuses, 395 school districts, 16 Skills Centers sites, and 32 adult education providers.
Haken emphasized that beyond classroom education, CareerTech drives economic growth through direct partnerships with industry. “Every dollar invested in CareerTech pays off in stronger communities, better jobs, and a more competitive Oklahoma,” he said. “Our state’s future workforce is counting on us to keep pace with their ambition.”
CareerTech also operates grant and funding programs, including state technology center grants that help campuses purchase modern equipment, improve safety, and expand work-based learning opportunities through the Oklahoma Career Guide and Connect 2 Business tools.