Many Oklahoma students are choosing to have the total high school experience that includes sports, band and clubs -- and spending mornings or afternoons at their local technology centers.

School counselors are helpful in mapping out these schedules, which are possible because CareerTech offers flexibility. Nearly half of all high school students in the state take advantage of CareerTech offerings, and hundreds of student-athletes are enrolled in technology centers. They compete in each of the three sports seasons (fall, winter and spring) of the school year.

During the 2012-13 school year, Vype - High School Sports Magazine, formerly High School Sports - The Magazine, has featured CareerTech student-athletes from across the state each month.

Vype promotes high school athletics, cheer and music programs across the central and eastern United States with news stories, features and photography.

To learn more  go to the web page here.

• Conduct skills assessments and training programs for electronic assemblers.
• Facilitate team building and training for a variety of Frontier departments.
• Profile positions with ACT WorkKeys to identify potential employees with the right skills for highly specialized jobs.

NOW:  Frontier Electronic Systems, the core business since1997, employs 125 people in the Stillwater facility, including 55 engineers. They develop products used on satellites, military aircraft, defensive missile systems and U.S. naval ships. FES earns repeat business and awards from its customers—like the Boeing Supplier of the Year Award in 2001, 2005, and 2009.

This year's competition, Rebound Rumble, is a robotics game played between two Alliances of three teams each. Each Alliance competes by trying to score as many of the basketballs in the hoops as possible during the 2-minute and 15-second match. Balls scored in higher hoops score Alliances more points. Alliances are awarded bonus points if they are balanced on bridges at the end of the match. Winning necessitates cooperation among teams that have never met before.

Teams of students and their mentors have six weeks to design and build a robot from a standard kit of parts to compete at FIRST regional events under the principles of "gracious professionalism."

"Eighteen teams have ties to CareerTech programs," according to Tina Fugate, STEM and academic specialist, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. "FIRST Robotics is a great opportunity for students in our Pre-Engineering Academies to put their knowledge and skills to use."

The goal of Oklahoma CareerTech STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education is to nurture creative students who are problem solvers, innovators, inventors, logical thinkers, strong communicators and who excel in the areas of math and science.CareerTech STEM initiatives include Pre-Engineering, Biomedical, Biotech and Technology Engineering.

FIRST was founded by Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway, in order to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. The organization designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in STEM.

For more information about CareerTech STEM initiatives and the FIRST Robotics competition please visit www.okcareertech.org, STEM or contact Tina Fugate, 405-743-5139

Show Details

View other video formats on OKHorizon (e.g. Video Transcript, Quicktime Movie, and Youtube)

Show 1205: FIRST Robotics (Robots...The Next Generation)
Air Date: January 29, 2012

Bonus Content

View the official Oklahoma FIRST Robotics Website - Includes videos, competition information and more.

The CareerTech system’s role  in providing learning that works for Oklahomans takes center stage at the conference which is the major professional development activity for Oklahoma CareerTech teachers, counselors, administrators and staff. Awards and recognition of outstanding leaders across the state highlight the event.

The conference also provides opportunities for educators to learn about the latest products and services available in the career and technology education field at the CareerTech Expo with more than 150 exhibiting companies.

“During this time of economic uncertainty, one thing is sure, CareerTech education in Oklahoma stands ready to meet the challenges of the state’s work force and help our state’s businesses and industries thrive,” said state CareerTech Director Phil Berkenbile.

Last year  CareerTech increased profitability for more than 6,700 state companies, providing incentives for companies to locate in Oklahoma and training for nearly 4,000 new jobs.

In addition, nearly 9,000 high school and adult students enrolled in CareerTech classes last year, earning more than 77,000 college credit hours, simultaneously. Nearly half of Oklahoma high school students (80,575) enrolled in CareerTech classes. More than 72,000 high school and adult students were also members of at least one of the seven CareerTech Student Organizations.

“Many people are unaware and are often surprised that the student organizations and classes they or their children enroll in at junior and senior high schools and technology centers are part of the CareerTech system,” Berkenbile said. “These organizations provide leadership skills and training that is integral to the success of our students.”

CareerTech Student Organizations and associated programs are: Business Professionals of America and Business and Information Technology Education; DECA and Marketing Education; FCCLA and Family and Consumer Sciences Education; FFA and Agricultural Education; HOSA and Health Careers Education; Technology Student Association and STEM: Technology Engineering and Gateway To Technology and SkillsUSA and Trade and Industrial Education.

“The mission of the CareerTech System is to prepare Oklahomans for success in the workplace, in education and in life,” Berkenbile said. “CareerTech helps young people and adults build skills for the work force of today and the future. These skills are essential for a vibrant work force and the economic prosperity necessary to compete in this global economy.”

For more information about the Oklahoma CareerTech system visit www.okcareertech.org.

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This year, about 75 CTSO state officers congregated at Tulakogee Conference Center in Wagoner at CTU, designed for state officer training where state leaders plan, learn and network for the upcoming school year.

Although the event's name, presenters, location and lengths of time have changed over the years, the schedule and curriculum have been consistent.

"The purpose of CTU is to provide state officer leadership training to all seven CareerTech student organizations," said Kent Boggs, Oklahoma FFA executive secretary. "In addition to the training, the officer teams develop a better understanding of each of their fellow student organizations and how collectively they fit into and represent the entire CareerTech educational system."

These leaders worked on elevator speeches, individual and team goals, time management, organizational skills and flag raising and lowering.

The state officers leave better prepared to lead their organizations comprised of hundreds of local chapters at schools and technology centers across the state. Last year, more than 72,000 students ranging in age from sixth grade through adult were members of the co-curricular CTSOs.

The organizations and affiliated career areas are Business Professionals of America and business and information technology education; DECA and marketing education; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and family and consumer sciences education; FFA and agricultural education; HOSA and health careers education; SkillsUSA and trade and industrial education; and Technology Student Association and technology engineering.

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• Get the skills required for a high-wage, high-demand job and assume a leadership role as SkillsUSA chapter treasurer.
• Take pride in her professional accomplishments and earn respect from instructors and classmates as a team leader.
• Gain confidence in her skills and compete in a male-dominated arena.

NOW: Unintimidated in a male-dominate work zone, Kelly enjoys discussing welding with her brothers and has state and regional welding awards to prove her expertise.

The battle consisted of sit-ups, push-ups, a mile run, pushing a police car and running an obstacle course that included carrying a simulated dead body. Students competed for awards and a year’s worth of bragging rights, only this year the bragging rights belong to both teams as the competition ended in a tie!

Students connected with their peers and worked with several law enforcement agencies and Oklahoma County Sherriff, John Whetsel. The OKC Police Air One helicopter made a smooth landing. Students spoke to the pilot and got an up-close look at the helicopter. The Oklahoma Army National Guard, OK Highway Patrol, OK County Bomb Unit, OKC K-9 Unit, OK County Mounted Unit, OK County Tact Team and OK County Patrol Vehicles demonstrated various aspects of their jobs.

Metro Tech Public Safety instructor, Johnnie Loudermilk, says this was an opportunity for the students to learn about different agencies and plan a more focused career path after high school. “We want to motivate the students to continue their daily workouts and encourage camaraderie with their potential coworkers,” Loudermilk said.

Since Metro Tech hosted this year’s event, other Metro Tech students got into the action. The MTC Health Careers Center wrapped sprained ankles at the First Aid booth; Culinary Arts students provided lunch; Graphic Design students designed and printed shirts and Video Production students shot video of the event.

“Adding the competition component has really pumped up the students. Now with the teams tied, it will be “game on” next year,” Loudermilk said.

By Bonnie James, Marketing Assistant, Metro Technology Centers bonnie.james@metrotech.edu

Posted Jan. 6, 2012

STUDENTS 'RUMBLED' AT FIRST ROBOTICS

More than 50 teams of high school students from Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas competed March 29-31 at the Regional FIRST Robotics competition at the Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City. FIRST, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is a multinational competition that pairs professionals and young people to solve an engineering design problem and compete.

This year's competition, Rebound Rumble, was a robotics game played between two Alliances of three teams each. Each Alliance competed by trying to score as many of the basketballs in the hoops as possible during the 2-minute and 15-second match. Balls scored in higher hoops score Alliances more points. Alliances were awarded bonus points if they are balanced on bridges at the end of the match.

Winning necessitates cooperation among teams that have never met before. Teams of students and their mentors have six weeks to design and build a robot from a standard kit of parts to compete at FIRST regional events under the principles of "gracious professionalism."

"Eighteen teams have ties to CareerTech programs," according to Tina Fugate, STEM and academic specialist, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. "FIRST Robotics is a great opportunity for students in our Pre-Engineering Academies to put their knowledge and skills to use."

The goal of Oklahoma CareerTech STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education is to nurture creative students who are problem solvers, innovators, inventors, logical thinkers, strong communicators and who excel in the areas of math and science.  CareerTech STEM initiatives include Pre-Engineering, Biomedical, Biotech and Technology Engineering.

FIRST was founded by Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway,  in order to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. The organization designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in STEM.

For more information about CareerTech STEM initiatives and the FIRST Robotics competition please visit www.okcareertech.org, STEM or contact Tina Fugate, 405-743-5139

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Robots . . . The Next Generation - Oklahoma Horizon

• Earned 28 hours of college credit while still in high school.
• Learned to defend a position, gain and keep control of a meeting and win a debate.
• Developed computer skills, managerial skills and office procedures.

NOW: Tyler was awarded the Gates Millennium Scholarship, which funds his undergraduate degree at the university of his choice adding up to around $400,000. Now attending the University of Colorado in Boulder, Tyler is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications.

Pan Pacific Products
Broken Bow
Est. 1995

Chyrel Fortner

"Before 2008, turnover was 96 percent at entry level. Half of the new hires were let go during the 60-day probationary period or quit within a year. Now, after three years of using WorkKeys profiles and Career Readiness Certificates during the hiring process, turnover is 16 percent. We now require it. This is just good business. Now, when we hire five employees, we keep five.

And, they move up!"

- Chyrel Fortner, Human Resources Manager, Pan Pacific Products, Broken Bow

Hitachi Computer Products
Hitachi International Distribution Center
Norman, Okla.

Steven Moates, Hitachi

- Steven Moates, Training & Safety Manager / Human Resources
Hitachi Computer Products (America), Inc.

Ceradyne Boron
Quapaw

Amber Crook Robertson

Amber Crook Robertson, Senior Human Resources Generalist

OG&E

Gilbert Hall

Gilbert Hall, Senior Training Coordinator
OG&E Muskogee Power Plant

SKF Sealing and Solutions Plant
Hobart

Carolyn Sink

Jerry W. Sink, Sr., Human Resources Manager
Carolyn Sink, Training Facilitator

Jerry W. Sink, Sr.

For more information: Oklahoma WorkKeys and Career Readiness Certificate

Oklahoma's Featured Speakers in National Video

Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education’s technology centers are stepping in to provide workers both to convert vehicles to alternative fuels and to service them.

Two of the state’s technology centers teach students to work on vehicles using alternative fuel, and a third technology center plans to add a program.

Autry Technology Center in Enid and Tulsa Technology Center both offer alternative fuel training programs. Kiamichi Technology Center recently upgraded the automotive facilities at its Poteau campus so it can go ahead with alternative fuel training as soon as funding allows.

“Any time there’s big news or developments about CNG, we see an increase in interest and enrollment. There’s a lot of buzz on the streets and many questions,” said Melissa Jenlink, Autry Technology Center director of communications and marketing. “Autry saw a big interest when OnCue opened its CNG station in Enid in January.”

Autry offers a program that teaches the basics of compressed natural gas installation in vehicles and prepares students to take the state alternative fuel technician natural gas vehicle certification test. Students who have already achieved the technician level in auto mechanics can take the certification test at the end of the class.

The technology center has seen approximately a 300 percent increase in CNG training in the last three years, Jenlink said, adding that Autry is exploring the possibility of two other courses: gaseous fuels and inspections and an installation class.

Tulsa Tech’s program goes beyond CNG to also include propane, electric, hybrid and biofuel vehicles. Seventeen students enrolled in the full-time program in 2011-12, the first year Tulsa Tech offered the program, said Leo Van Delft, Tulsa Tech transportation program coordinator. Pre-enrollment for 2012-13 is about the same, he added.

Tulsa Tech started its alternative fuel programs with short-term classes to prepare students to take the state CNG technician test, Van Delft said.

“The demand for the short-term CNG technician certification has been consistent,” he said. “Marketing the full-time program has evolved as student recruiters have developed a better understanding of the program and the job opportunities for students and can better explain them.”

The technology center plans to add a CNG tank inspection short-term course.

“We also offer customized onsite training through our Business and Industry Services division and have provided CNG technician certification prep training for several local companies, including Crane Carrier, Tulsa Transit and CASECO Manufacturing,” Van Delft said.

Students completing the full-time program are prepared to take the national Automotive Service Excellence CNG technician certification, which includes electrical and engine performance.

Kiamichi Technology Center’s Poteau campus is joining Tulsa Tech and Autry in alternative fuels training programs because of the growing market for CNG, said instructor Lonnie Prewitt.

The technology center hopes to begin its program, focusing on CNG, in spring or fall 2013, said Doug Hall, Poteau/Spiro campus director.

The program will train students “to retrofit, maintain or repair CNG systems to the state guidelines,” Prewitt explained. After completing the program, the students will be able to take the state CNG technician certification test.

Although the program will initially focus on CNG, Prewitt said he will obtain other certifications or licenses if needed to improve the program.

ODCTE Technical Program Supervisor John Day said he expects more technology centers to join the effort to teach students to work on alternative fuel vehicles.

“Over the next year, I fully expect to see a sharp incline of schools offering this type of training throughout our state due to the strengthened natural gas vehicle industry and infrastructure as well as increased natural gas production,” he said.

Randy Catlett, left, and Ed Daniels, students in Tulsa Technology Center’s alternative fuels program, examine CNG automotive components.

By

Laura Wilson, Editor/Writer

Show Details

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Show 1207: A Marine's Love Story
Air Date: February 12, 2012

Alice and Charles Migliorino sharing their love story

Audio Tapes playing love messages recorded while at war, found 40 years later by wife.

Charles in the Marines and Alice as queen.

Photos of soldiers from Vietnam War.

Audio tape with interview of Charles' friend Mike, who was killed in action before the war ended.

Charles at Vietnam War.

Photo of Charles and friend in Vietnam, shouldering children. Looking back, he realizes just how he and his fellow soldiers were young kids too.

• Become a member of the National and State FFA Chorus in high school.
• Give back to the FFA by using his talent to assist in directing the chorus and performing at national and state conventions.
• Initiate a new career path in music.

NOW: Colte performed in Oklahoma! during its centennial run at the Lyric Theater in Oklahoma City. Based out of New York City, Colte has now left the ranks of regional theater and moved to the next step. Currently he is living and performing as a standby Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet at Chicago's Apollo Theatre.

• Graduate from the Skills Center, earning both HVAC and Unlimited Electrician licenses.
• Work, while incarcerated, as a maintenance apprentice—earning enough hours to complete an apprenticeship and take the journeyman test.
• Realize people were there to support and mentor him as a student, a job seeker and a friend.

NOW: Frank is home, living close to his son, in a job he identified early on as his "dream job." A maintenance technician at the Stillwater Medical Center, Frank works in an organization that supports its employees and believes in continuing education so he can work toward his new goal: increasing his knowledge and ability to contribute.

• Expand her interests through student organizations such as Business Professionals of America; National Technical Honor Society; Adult Leadership Class; and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.
• Obtain 24 hours of college credit through Redlands Community College while still in high school.
• Enroll in two different programs simultaneously.

NOW: Whitney graduated from Early Care and Education as Student of the Year. She then graduated from Redlands Community College with two associate degrees: one in General Studies and another in Family Studies and Child Development. She is now at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma majoring in communications with plans to enlist as an officer in the U.S. Air Force.