OSU-OKC to help homeless with $50,000 grant
OSU-OKC receives $50,000 Inasmuch grant to assist homeless with job skills
OKC residents transitioning out of homelessness can study for retail floral design certificate
OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 27, 2019) – A $50,000 grant from the Inasmuch Foundation will help Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City provide job-building instruction to city residents who are transitioning out of homelessness.
The efforts will support the Curbside Chronicle, which operates floral sales for Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. The nonprofit will soon open a year-round, brick-and-mortar flower shop, which will provide broader employment and job-readiness training opportunities to its clients.
Grant funds will allow Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) to offer sessions in floral design and business skills through the university’s retail floristry certificate program. This program can be completed in one semester through five weekend courses.
The grant supports the Back on Track Education and Training Fund, which provides men and women transitioning out of homelessness the opportunity to complete a college certificate.
“We’re helping people figure out life, which is a commitment that is the heart and soul of the land-grant mission,” OSU-OKC President Brad Williams said. “Students come to OSU-OKC with different sets of experiences and needs. This type of program is the right thing to do.”
The Curbside Chronicle, a program of the Homeless Alliance, works to create supportive employment opportunities for men and women transitioning out of homelessness in Oklahoma City.
The Homeless Alliance database reports that more than 10,000 people experience homelessness in Oklahoma City every year. It is crucial that the community work together to remove barriers and create opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, Williams said.
For more information, contact Dar Yasseri, OSU-OKC vice president of Student Experience, at yasseri@osuokc.edu or (405) 945-6761.
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For media inquiries:
Nick Trougakos, OSU-OKC – nick.trougakos@osuokc.edu – (405) 945-9196
About Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) is part of the modern land-grant system of Oklahoma State University. OSU-OKC is a two-year public institution, offering more than 40 degrees and certificate options. Through quality education, a supportive environment, leadership training and service opportunities, OSU-OKC trains students to work and educates them to lead. OSU-OKC graduates are found throughout the community serving as police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, healthcare professionals and business owners. More information is available at www.osuokc.edu.