Board approves two contracts with Oklahoma DHS to expand TANF navigators and pilot JAG in 10 schools

The Oklahoma CareerTech State Board unanimously approved two contracts with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services intended to expand services and interventions for adults and at‑risk youth.

The first contract creates a TANF navigator model that will initially place a navigator at 10 technology center sites and add sites in year two, with the stated goal of reaching all 29 centers over three years. Aletha (contract presenter) said the contract will fund navigators and a statewide TANF coordinator and HSE (high school equivalency) coordinator; technology centers would employ local navigators while the agency helps pay salary costs. "This contract will...get dollars that are available through the TANF services...into technology centers to provide service to those clients that are underserved," Director Hagan said.

The board moved and seconded approval; roll call recorded affirmative votes from the attending members and the motion passed.

The second contract authorizes the agency to implement Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) as a one‑year federal pilot to serve at‑risk high school youth in 10 schools (two existing sites and up to eight additional schools to be selected). Aletha said all funding for JAG in the first year is written as a one‑year pilot, and the agency will hire a program specialist to pinpoint need and avoid duplication with existing CTSO programs.

Board members emphasized the value of federal funding for the pilots and noted prior board concerns about duplication and funding; Director Hagan said the federal grant funding mitigates those concerns. The JAG motion was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.

Both contracts remain contingent on federal grant availability; agency staff said the TANF contract is a drawn‑down grant and funds will be accessible once contracts are executed and the award initiated.