Issue No. Two

Then:  A typical junior in high school, plugged into computer technology, who enrolled in a Computer Repair and Networking program thanks to his teacher’s advice. 
Through Mid-Del’s Computer Repair and Networking program, Josh

• Earned A+, Network + certifications.
• Completed a two-year paid internship with Mid-Del Schools.
• Placed first in the SkillsUSA National Postsecondary Computer Maintenance Technology competition.

Now:  Josh works full-time at United Systems, Inc. in Oklahoma City with a starting salary of $40,000 a year.

Then: A single mother with four children – one in college and three in high school. Sheila needed the skills to get a job that paid well enough to support her family. Through Red River Tech’s FOCUS and computer-aided drafting programs, Sheila

• Gained self-confidence in her independence.
• Learned the importance of marketing herself to potential employers.
• Developed valuable skills and training to get a good job.

Now: Sheila is the landscape designer and office manager at Marcum’s Nursery in Marlow, using skills she learned at Red River Tech.

Then: Headquartered in Tulsa, Ameristar strives to develop innovative solutions for the residential, commercial, industrial and high security industries. Grossing $80 - $90 million in sales, this company needed to train employees and increase sales. TTC helped Ameristar receive

• Training for International Standard Organization 9000.
• Sales training for employees.
• Computer training in EXCEL, Microsoft Outlook and other Windows programs necessary for conducting business.

Now: Ameristar, known for its creation of a security fence used internationally at embassies and governmental buildings, has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of ornamental metal fence products grossing more than $120 million a year.

Then:  A high school student with a passion for politics and foreign culture making a tough decision between running for FCCLA state office rather than pursuing speech, drama and the arts. Building on the leadership and decision-making skills he learned in FCCLA, Kyle

• Served as the 2004-2005 State FCCLA Secretary.
• Decided to major in international business and political science at Oklahoma State University.
• Became an active member of a fraternity known for high academic achievement and community service.
• Pursued the resources and achieved the accomplishments to be selected the second Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellow in the history of OSU.

Now:  Kyle achieved national celebrity status as a contestant on the popular “American Idol” television show. He continues to balance his vocal performance talents with his educational and political goals. His dream job is to serve as governor of Oklahoma.

Then: A roping rodeo competitor who was unsure of a career path. He decided to follow his sister in the predominately female radiology field. Through Indian Capital Tech’s Health Science Technology program and Health Occupations Students of America, Layne

• Is getting an education in a field with a high demand for more workers.
• Learned to follow career interests without regard for gender.
• Exercised leadership skills as the sentinel for his HOSA chapter.

Now: Layne plans get his bachelor’s degree in radiology at Panhandle State University and continue his hobby of roping in rodeos.

Then: A home-school student from Guthrie who wanted to use her artistic talent in a career but was unsure of a direction. Meridian’s Web design program helped Katie

• Learn and apply design skills in business situations.
• Demonstrate leadership, dependability and responsibility.
• Work in team situations.
• Earn college credit hours while still in high school.

Now: Katie graduated from high school, Meridian and Northern Oklahoma College at the same time and plans to pursue a degree in digital media at Oklahoma State University.

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Contact webmaster Last update 2/05/2008