About CFSI
CFSI’s Mission: Purpose and Hope
CFSI is a developing initiative which creates educational pathways for individuals with social barriers so they can reach their career goals and meet the workforce needs of the community. This is achieved through not only a like-minded and supportive community, but also through higher education, training, and personal and professional development.
Program Information
CFSI is a workforce development program that provides post-secondary education and training for Oklahomans who have recently exited the situation of incarceration, homelessness, foster care, or domestic violence, or are in long-term recovery from substance abuse addiction or mental health disorders. CFSI provides a pathway to employment and long-term intensive program where students will have the opportunity to gain invaluable skills, work experience through internships, and the ability to earn college credit hours along with supplemental credentials. Upon completion of the program, participants are positioned to assimilate into the general student body to continue working toward their chosen academic degree programs. Participation in the CFSI program will not only improves lives, but also helps Oklahoma achieve a more skilled and educated workforce.
Program Support and Acceptance
CFSI is funded in part by a Congressionally-directed Community Project Fund in the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2022 specifically serving justice-involved individuals, Oklahomans who have experienced homelessness or domestic violence, persons in long-term recovery from substance abuse addiction or mental health disorders, and former foster involved youth. Participants will be provided with technologic equipment and materials necessary to support their academic achievement.
In order to be accepted into the program, interested candidates complete an online application, write and submit an essay, and provide three character references. Applicants then participate in an in-person interview with a panel of several different OSU-OKC staff members representing areas such as Disability Services & Diversity, other campus federal grant programs, and Academics. Interview committee members assess each candidate’s exemplified levels of college-readiness, stability (including, mental health, sobriety, housing, support systems), and overall commitment to and drive towards a post-secondary education. This includes determining if the program offerings at OSU-OKC are the right match for the applicants desired career path. If an individual is not accepted into the program for any of these reasons, they are welcome and encouraged to apply again for the following CFSI cohort.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of an Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City degree and the Center for Social Innovation Program, students will have accomplished the following five outcomes:
- Critical Thinking - Students are able to solve problems by evaluating arguments or propositions and making judgments that guide the development of their beliefs and actions.
- Effective Communication - Students demonstrate effective communication, which is defined as the ability to develop organized, coherent, and unified written or oral presentations for various audiences and situations.
- Computer Proficiency - Students effectively use computers and network technologies to gather, analyze and communicate information.
- Civic Responsibility - Students engage in the community through activities effecting positive change in society and the environment.
- Global Awareness - Students display sensitivity to cultures across local, national and global communities.
Who Qualifies?
Anyone with social barriers such as a history of incarceration, addiction, trauma, poverty, homelessness, abuse, mental health disorders, or domestic violence.
CFSI Student Handbook
For additional program information and guidelines, please review the current CFSI Student Handbook.
Program Elements
- Internship
- Tuition for credit-bearing academic coursework
- University Laptop
- School supplies and books
- Workforce training and industry recognized certification
- Participation based stipend