By Mr. Roger King, Superintendent, Green Country Technology Center
As superintendent of Green Country Technology Center, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how education transforms lives and strengthens communities. Every day, I see students walk through our doors, ready to gain skills that will shape their futures. I also see the ripple effect this has on our local businesses, families, and the economy.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is more than classrooms and certifications—it’s a driving force for economic growth in Oklahoma. CareerTech is not only Oklahoma’s workforce leader but also fuels the economy, contributing nearly $1 billion annually and providing a high return on investment for taxpayers. For every $1 of state funding invested in technology centers like GCTC, there’s a $9.82 impact on economic output and $10.48 in earnings for secondary and adult students over a decade.
This isn’t just a number—it’s a testament to the work we do to prepare students for high-demand careers and help businesses thrive. Here in our community, GCTC serves as a vital resource for workforce development. From providing advanced training to filling critical workforce gaps, we help ensure local businesses have the talent they need to grow and remain competitive.
One of the clearest examples of this is the recent expansion of our nursing program, made possible through a statewide nursing agreement that allows students to seamlessly continue their education. With the healthcare industry facing a significant workforce shortage, this initiative couldn’t come at a better time. It’s helping us train more nursing professionals, meet local healthcare needs, and provide career opportunities for students eager to make a difference.
The economic impact of this program is substantial. Not only does it address a critical need for healthcare workers, but it also supports local hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers by ensuring they have qualified staff. This is just one way GCTC is directly contributing to the health and vitality of our community.
But the impact of CareerTech extends far beyond healthcare. Whether it’s welding, HVAC, or CNC, our programs are tailored to meet the needs of both students and the businesses that hire them. In fiscal year 2024 alone, Oklahoma CareerTech served over 520,000 enrollments statewide. These students are entering the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to succeed, and their success drives our local economy forward.
At GCTC, we’ve seen firsthand how CareerTech empowers students to achieve their dreams, from the high school graduate finding their first job to the adult learner retooling for a new career. We’ve also seen how it helps businesses grow by providing access to a skilled and ready workforce. These partnerships between education and industry are the backbone of our community’s success.
This February, as we celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, I invite you to take a closer look at how CTE impacts our community. Whether it’s the student who’s the first in their family to attend college, the small business that’s expanding thanks to skilled employees, or the local economy that benefits from increased earnings, CareerTech is at the heart of it all.
At GCTC, we’re committed to continuing this legacy of excellence. Together with our students, partners, and community, we’re building a stronger, more prosperous future—not just for today, but for generations to come.