CareerTech outlines FY-25 request focused on expansion, workforce training and outcomes

Oklahoma CareerTech presented a first reading of its FY-25 appropriations request, asking lawmakers for targeted funding to expand programs, serve more students and better tie state dollars to measurable outcomes.

The agency said much of the draft reworks last year's broad request into outcome-driven items. Presenters noted $37,000,000 remains from a prior workforce-training request after the legislature provided $3,000,000 of a $40,000,000 ask. The current draft lists a multi-part package that includes a proposal to expand training for incarcerated individuals, a one-time start-up expansion program for underserved areas and other targeted investments to reduce wait lists and grow capacity.

"We've asked superintendents to tell us where the need really is," the presenter said, describing a survey that will close Aug. 25 and that will be used to shape final requests. The agency reported some centers are operating above capacity; one region was described as at "112 percent capacity." The board was told the agency aims to increase full-time program enrollments by 10,000 students over five years and that the draft request ties funding lines to specific local needs and expected outcomes.

Among the specific proposals discussed was a $750,000 request to expand incarcerated-individual workforce (skill center) programs to reach 1,750 inmates a year over five years. The presenter said the program has historically shown high placement rates ("90 percent or better" placement) and low recidivism (about "5 to 6 percent" reported in the presentation), and that transition coordinators would be a key investment to help trainees address barriers such as transportation and work clothing.

Board members asked detailed questions about how expansion funding would be used'for facilities, instructors, equipment or transportation'and how much discretion local districts would keep. The agency said funding will combine state support with local resources, and that the department would act as an overseer and creditor while leaving flexibility to districts on how they meet outcomes. The presenter said additional budget hearings and one-on-one legislator meetings will follow so lawmakers can see outcomes tied to requests.

The board did not take an action on the appropriation draft; members provided feedback and asked the director to return a revised request after survey results are in. The director said a final review will be ready at the next board meeting once those local enrollment and staffing details are compiled.

Next steps: the agency will close superintendent surveys on Aug. 25, refine the request and present a final draft at the next regular board meeting for approval and for use in legislative outreach.