OSU-OKC students earn apprenticeship certification
OSU-OKC students are first in state to complete IT apprenticeship program
Four students officially recognized Monday with U.S. Department of Labor certificates
OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 28, 2019) – Four Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City students were recognized Monday as the first in the state to earn apprenticeship certificates in the U.S. Department of Labor Youth IT Apprentice Program.
The students, Jeremiah Anderson, Corina Mejia, Juan Ruiz and Mayra Viezcas, entered the program in 2017 through a partnership between Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC), Dell, the Oklahoma Office of Workforce Development and their high school, Advanced Science and Technology Education Charter (ASTEC).
“The Dell scholar program has been a life-changing experience for these high school students,” OSU-OKC President Brad Williams said. “The program blends classroom instruction with on-the-job work that provides students with an enriched learning environment as they pursue a career in Oklahoma’s IT industry sector.”
Since Monday’s honorees entered the program in 2017, OSU-OKC has added two additional yearly cohorts from ASTEC to the Dell scholar program. It’s a model that OSU-OKC is actively expanding into industry sectors that include aerospace, healthcare and computer technologies, including cloud computing and data systems.
Williams said that it requires a state-wide effort to present and sustain a talent pipeline capable of supporting Oklahoma’s businesses, both existing and new.
“This is a defining moment in higher education and I’m proud of these students for being the first to complete this type of program,” Williams said.
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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.