Guidance
OkCRN

BREAKING TRADITIONS AWARD PROGRAM
(Non-Traditional Awards)

Career and technology education is economic development, and the key to economic  development is the development of people.  Proper career planning at an early age - without the influence of gender stereotyping is essential for the potential growth of individuals.  Likewise, individual career planning is necessary for our state's economic growth.

The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education spotlights students and staff who have chosen specific career and technology programs because of their interests and abilities and who have not let their gender influence their decisions to prepare for nontraditional careers.  Student organizations members and educational districts are encouraged to participate in this endeavor.  Awardees selected will be recognized during the spring student organization state conventions and professional conferences.  

Following is the procedure for nominating an outstanding nontraditional student or staff member:

1. Student organizations chapter members/advisors and educational districts staff select a nontraditional student or staff who serves as an outstanding role model.  Utilizing the definition of nontraditional training and employment means occupations or fields of work, including careers in computer science, technology, and other emerging high skill occupations, for which individuals from one gender comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals employed in each occupation or field. The staff member nominated contributes to furthering nontraditional student enrollments or recognition and support of nontraditional students or programs.
  

2.Submit an article about the student or staff to your local newspaper.  Suggestions for the article's contents include:

• The student's reasons for enrolling in the program that is nontraditional for their gender.    
• The student's accomplishments in the student organization.
• Other activities in which the student or staff member is involved.
• The student or staff member's goals and aspirations
• The student or staff member's views on gender stereotyping.
• The article should focus on the student or staff and not on the class, instructor, school, or program.

3.     Include a color photograph of the student or staff nominee actively involved in his/her career program.  The photo must be clear and in focus.  We need an original color 5 x 7 glossy print with high contrast.  Please have the nominee dressed in appropriate, professional attire including any safety glasses (if needed or appropriate).  Pose the nominee in a realistic setting in their specialty area and remove all distracting background items and have clean surroundings.   Remember; do not send photographs that have been printed in other publications, i.e. newspaper/magazine.  If you need to send a photograph that varies from those specified, please contact Fern Bowling at (405) 743-5596.  If you send a digital photo, the resolution of your camera must be 2.5 mega pixels or higher.  Make sure the camera is set to the highest resolution before taking pictures.

4. Send a copy of the article, color photo, and signed video/photography model release form with the completed application form to the address listed on the application form.

Sample Judging Form

Each educational services area/committee will select the student it believes to be the best nontraditional role model.  For additional information, contact Dr. Fern Bowling at (405) 743-5596 or send an e-mail to fbowl@okcareertech.org