The CareerTech State Board Meeting held on June 19, 2025, focused on enhancing career exposure for students in Oklahoma, particularly those in grades five through eight. The meeting highlighted the need for increased awareness and access to career and technical education (CTE) programs, with current participation rates at approximately 30-34% for middle school students. Board members discussed the importance of early career exposure and the expansion of programs, noting that 29 new initiatives are set to be funded this year.

A significant point of discussion was the challenge of reaching students in private and quasi-private schools, as public funding limits the board's ability to serve these institutions. However, the board has begun to establish programs in charter schools, marking a shift in their approach to include more public educational options.

The board acknowledged the ongoing teacher shortage as a barrier to expanding CTE programs. Currently, about 45% of high school students participate in programs offered by CareerTech, but there is a goal to increase this number significantly. Comparisons were made to other states, such as Alabama, which mandates that all students take at least one CTE course before graduation. The board expressed optimism about future growth, especially with recent changes to graduation requirements that make CTE courses more accessible.

Engagement strategies were also discussed, with board members emphasizing the need for comprehensive schools to better inform students and parents about available career tech programs. Increased collaboration with organizations like COSA and OSSBA was suggested to enhance awareness and participation.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to improving career education in Oklahoma, with plans for continued growth and outreach to ensure that more students are aware of and can access CTE opportunities. The board aims to foster a culture where every student has career exposure before graduating high school, setting a target of around 70% participation as a benchmark for success.