February is National Career and Technical Education Month, and as secretary of workforce and economic development, there’s nothing I love to brag on more than Oklahoma CareerTech.

It’s no secret that our CareerTech system is one of the best in the country. Our 29 technology centers provide 121 unique degree programs, giving Oklahomans across all 77 counties the opportunity to turn their passions into a paycheck. Oklahoma CareerTech graduates add more than $3.5 billion to the state economy each year and are an invaluable asset to our workforce.

Throughout my time as lieutenant governor, I have championed CareerTech and shared the important role it plays in advancing Oklahoma’s workforce and economy. I’ve toured our state-of-the-art CareerTech facilities and met with many of the educators and administrators that make it possible. But two years ago, I realized there was still one key element of the story I was missing – the students. That’s why I launched “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech,” a video interview series where I listen to students’ stories firsthand and learn the impact CareerTech made on their lives.

I have interviewed students from across the state, each with unique degree plans and goals. Through their stories, I have learned about impactful faculty members, extracurriculars and internships, and resources to find jobs. Despite many differences between them, each student has come to the same conclusion: Oklahoma CareerTech is an excellent way to get a high-paying job in a fulfilling career without breaking the bank.

Read the full story on the JournalRecord.com.