Rogers County Brimming with Post Secondary Education Opportunities

April 11, 2022

The end of the school year is quickly approaching, and graduation celebrations are just around the corner. As senior students look to close their high school experience, there is much anticipation around the start of the next chapter. Yet, while this is a time of new beginnings, many are still left trying to answer the age-old question, "what do I want to be when I grow up?"

This is a daunting question, and the options are endless. Oklahoma Works, the state's workforce development program, has identified Oklahoma's top 100 critical occupations. These are all careers in high demand and are projected to have positive future growth. From the list of 100, 63 percent of the jobs require education beyond a high school degree.

Rogers County is blessed to be home to two incredible institutions that provide students with economical options for post-secondary education. Rogers State University is the leading regional six-year institution, offering a variety of degree programs and opportunities. The university continues to earn national recognition for its value and affordability. Nearly half of RSU’s students earn a degree without student debt. For those individuals who do face financial needs, the university offers a variety of scholarship programs. Additionally, those whose families earn $60,000 or less annually and who meet academic and conduct requirements can earn a college tuition subsidy through the Oklahoma’s Promise program.

Northeast Tech provides students across Northeast Oklahoma with hands-on training that translates directly to careers upon graduation. Courses at Northeast Tech align curriculum with industry-validated standards and offer work-based learning experiences that easily translate to jobs across Rogers County. Many of our regional employers’ partner with career tech to foster the next generation of workforce and build a talent pool equipped to meet the current industry needs. Northeast Tech offers students a 13th Year Tuition Waiver, allowing for the completion of an additional 1050 hours of instruction.

CIEDA partners with students from both schools to complete apprenticeship and internship programs for additional workplace experience and training. If you are interested in learning more about CIEDA’s intern program or a shadowing experience, please contact me at caitlyn@growclaremore.com. I look forward to sharing the many career pathways and job opportunities in our own backyard!

A special congratulations to the Class of 2022 graduates! I am excited to see what lie ahead for our next generation of workforce. 

Until next time, 

Caitlyn Ngare
Talent Development Specialist