Loosely formed geographic area

 Voluntary collaboration of five universities and colleges, six career techs and two councils of government.  Formed in 2005 and funded through membership investment, U.S. Economic Development Administration and U.S. Department of Labor grants and in-kind contributions. September 2011

 Private Sector Employers (Business & Industry)  Oklahoma Manufacturers’ Alliance  Oklahoma Department of Commerce  Oklahoma Department of Education  Oklahoma Employment Security Commission  Workforce Investment Boards  Rural Enterprises, Inc  Local Economic Development Organizations  U.S. Department of Labor  U.S. Economic Development Administration

To reinforce and grow wealth in the southwest quadrant of Oklahoma by maximizing and coordinating workforce and economic development opportunities through a collaborative process.

Improving, impacting and connecting Oklahoma’s education systems How? By championing the support and alignment of education to promote business growth and job creation, giving Oklahoma a strategic sustainable advantage…

 80% PLAN to attend postsecondary education  60% ACTUALLY attend  40% Graduate  20% Employed with a family- sustaining wage This leaves 80% either underemployed or unemployed.

 A career pathway is a coherent sequence of rigorous academic and career courses which lead to a diploma, degree or industry-recognized certificate or license.  Pathways are developed, implemented, and maintained by partnerships involving employers, educators and community leaders.

 More students finding rigor and relevance…  More students transitioning to post-secondary “Career Ready = College Ready”.  Students demonstrating better skills; academic, technical and work-based.  Employers have access to larger pools of qualified workers.

Stage 1: 600+ Industry Needs Assessments Healthcare Energy Simulations Aerospace Stage 2: Career Pathways Visioning and Stakeholder Engagement Visioning Session: community, industry, and educational leaders Education Collaboration Session education leaders from secondary and post-secondary Community Organization Collaboration Session executive level community organization leaders Stage 3: Professional Development and Next Steps Career Pathways Leadership Training Sessions Development of Career Pathways Implementation Plan Career Pathways Project Development Process SOIC & The State of Oklahoma’s Manufacturing UAV/UAS Other New State Requirements… S.O.I.C.

Career Pathway Map W hat does it look like?

Internet Based Tool

K-12 Core Competences

◦ Reduces drop-outs ◦ Reduces remedial course enrollment ◦ Increases number of students going on to post-secondary ◦ Increases number of students earning diplomas, credentials & degrees ◦ Aligns Oklahoma’s educational system with business and industry needs ◦ Drives economic and quality of life success

Advocate for and support the strategy of incorporating an Oklahoma Career Pathways model that will link our Secondary and Post-Secondary Education systems in support of workforce and economic development.

SOIC Career Pathways Presentation to the Oklahoma House of Representatives Education Committee October 27, 2011