Focus Area - Workforce

Vision Statement

Increasing the number of adults in southwest Oklahoma who obtain associates, certification, credential, some college, or four-year college degrees would considerably improve the overall economic health of the region’s workforce and businesses. 

Goals/Objectives

1. Increase the number of residents obtaining post high school certifications.

2. Increase the credentials of people 25+ already in the workforce by 10% in the next 5 years.

3. Increase the median income to greater than 80% of the U.S. per capita in the next 5 years.

4. Implement career pathways programs in at least 10 school systems in the next 5 years. 

Implementation Activities

1. Re-establish a local workforce group.

2. Work with 15 local school systems to adopt Oklahoma Works Career Pathways initiatives.

3. Implement work-based learning programs including apprenticeships and internships.

4. Develop a career match making scholarship program within 2 years to assist employers in recruitment efforts and assist students with financing their education. 

5. Utilize Oklahoma Works Incumbent Worker Training and Career Technology Centers as a resource to help employers train 100 employees over the next 5-years. 

Outcome Measures

Ultimately the measurement of the improvements in southwest Oklahoma’s workforce will be reflected in the improvement in per capita median wage.