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Oklahoma City - An OSU Degree in OKC.

OSU-OKC receives grant from OGE Energy Corp. Foundation

Student climbs electric pole as part of PTDT instruction at OSU-OKC.

A new grant will help expand a growing program at Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC), leading to additional in-demand, high-paying jobs being filled. 

OSU-OKC has received a grant from the OGE Energy Corp. Foundation to supplement the cost of securing a full-time Power Transmission and Distribution Technology (PTDT) faculty member for two years. 

The addition of this full-time Power Transmission and Distribution Technology faculty member will allow for increased offerings and the addition of daytime class sections. Daytime course offerings in the PTDT allow students to study full-time and earn their degrees within two years. OSU-OKC offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in the state, which provides a low-cost pathway for nontraditional students to receive an education while still maintaining their employment and ability to support their families.    

“The generous support of the OGE Energy Corp. Foundation will allow OSU-OKC to increase offerings within its Power Transmission and Distribution Technology program, thereby preparing more graduates to advance Oklahoma’s line technician workforce,” said Jackie Weston, Senior Director of Institutional Grants and Compliance at OSU-OKC. “Additionally, OSU-OKC’s long history of serving students from a broad diversity of backgrounds will lead to increased diversity in the industry.”

The OGE Energy Corp. Foundation Inc. provides grants to 501(c)(3) charities to support programs, organizations and institutions that enhance quality of life and economic well-being in the communities that OG&E serves. The foundation’s giving programs support nonprofit organizations throughout the power company’s service area, and also matches employee contributions to institutions of higher education.

“We energize life in the communities we serve by providing life-sustaining and life-enhancing services. To do so requires a highly skilled and diverse workforce, which is why we are excited to support OSU-OKC’s efforts to train the next generation of our industry’s leaders through the Power Transmission and Distribution Technology program,” said Sean Trauschke, chairman, president and CEO of OGE Energy Corp.

Launched in the early 2000s, OSU-OKC’s Power Transmission and Distribution academic program has served the power industry within central Oklahoma for almost two decades.  Program graduates can quickly find employment within the industry due to OSU-OKC’s reputation for training highly qualified workers who are fully prepared to enter the workforce. 

“OGE has again shown itself to be a true partner to OSU-OKC and the community that we serve,” said Terry Clinefelter, Department Head of Construction Technologies at OSU-OKC. “Through this grant and their steadfast commitment to the Power Transmission and Distribution Technology program and its students, OGE has worked to create career and educational pathways that are truly impactful.”

For more information about the Power Transmission and Distribution Technology program at OSU-OKC, please visit osuokc.edu/STEM/ptdt.