Take a Look at Tulsa Tech

Like most teenagers, Kieren Murphy, a junior at Jenks High School, loves music. At school, he learned about a sound engineering class being offered at Tulsa Tech. Knowing that Kieren was interested in music, his dad explained what a sound engineer does and encouraged him to try it. Kieren is now enrolled in the class at Tulsa Tech’s Riverside campus.

“I chose it because sound engineering sounded fun,” Kieran said. “I like messing around with audio and video.”

Kieren also likes the independence at Tulsa Tech, which he compares to a college experience. He says that sharing the common interest with his classmates has also expanded his friend group. Being able to take a high-interest class while still in high school has expanded Kieren’s understanding of future career possibilities, and he’s looking at taking more classes at Tulsa Tech.

“I could continue with sound engineering,” Kieren said. “If I wanted to do something like voice acting, then I have experience starting that with the voice-overs we did (in sound engineering). It’s been very hands-on, and this is just one of so many courses at Tulsa Tech that people can take even in high school.”

Careers at Tulsa Tech

While Kieren has found a path to complement his love of music, other high school students may get a jump-start on four-year degrees or even leave high school with a career-ready credential. Students can start by taking an elective at their high school and then begin a full program on a tech campus if they wish.

“High school students first have an opportunity to take a Tulsa Tech program as early as the ninth grade. Programs are located in many high schools within our district boundaries, which is Tulsa County and parts of surrounding counties,” said Ryan Williams, assistant director of marketing and communications for Tulsa Tech. “Our elective classes are embedded High School Extension Programs that offer students an introduction to the world of work without impacting their core curriculum. During their sophomore year they can apply for one of Tulsa Tech’s full-time programs on any of our six local campus locations, where they spend three hours in the morning or afternoon getting training in the field of their choice.”

Full-time career training might be in the health sciences, business management and administration, architecture and construction, human services such as cosmetology or early care and education, information technology, manufacturing and more. There are over 80 program choices, allowing students to earn certifications and job skills. Tulsa Tech partners with public schools in the district to provide free bus transportation to all high school students within the district.

Free Tuition

Tuition at Tulsa Tech is free for public, private and home-schooled high school students.

For those who are interested, enrollment can start at a student’s high school. Some district schools also offer extension programs on site. To find out about what’s available, students can simply take some time to visit with their school counselor.

“High school students interested in full-time career training programs at a Tulsa Tech campus can apply to start a program as juniors or seniors, depending on the program. Students visit with their high school counselor and a Tulsa Tech Career Advisor to start an application and to get assistance during the process,” Williams said. “For high school students, career training programs are tuition-free, providing a fantastic opportunity for career and technical training at no cost to the family.”

“The enrollment process was really great,” Kieren said, “and you get to tour the campus or campuses. That was exciting.”

Jump Start College or Employment

Williams said he knows students who may get certification in a program such as cosmetology and use that skill to earn money for further education or as a part-time job while in college. Other students might enroll in programs that provide early training for certain college majors.

“Tulsa Tech is for all students, whether they plan to enter the workforce immediately or continue to college,” Williams said. “Many programs provide foundational skills that align with college majors like engineering, biomedical science, healthcare or information technology. For example, pre-engineering courses help students develop problem-solving and technical skills that prepare them for rigorous college programs. Tulsa Tech’s career training is also a great option for any high school student. The rigorous training in technical and soft skills provides a competitive advantage and puts them ahead of their peers with the skills needed to succeed in any future career.”

Williams emphasizes that many tech students graduate with industry credentials that make them immediately employable.

“One great example is our Early Care and Education program,” he said. “These students gain hands-on experience working with children and graduate from Tulsa Tech with a vast array of certifications including their Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. This allows students to showcase their skills to work with children up to age 5.

Other great examples include Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Health Sciences and Welding. Over 80 career-training programs at Tulsa Tech offer students employable skills and certifications across industries.”

Williams points out that Tulsa Tech is a member of Oklahoma’s nationally recognized CareerTech system. Because it is connected to local industries, Tulsa Tech programs are designed to meet the needs of Oklahoma employers.

“Students are learning relevant and in-demand skills. Tulsa Tech provides a hands-on environment where students can explore careers, gain real-world experience and prepare for life after high school. Parents can find more information at tulsatech.edu.”

Parent and Child Classes

Williams wants parents to know that they can even enroll in cooking classes with their children as young as 10 years old. In the class, parents and kids can learn to work together in the kitchen. And at age 11, young people can enroll in a class to earn their safe sitter credentials.

For Kieren, Tulsa Tech is helping him gain confidence and independence.

“It’s nice to have the college experience during part of the day and high school during the other part to kind of gain that independence,” he said. “Also, the cafeteria food at Tulsa Tech is great!”

 Betty Casey is the associate publisher and editor in chief of TulsaKids Magazine. She has been with TulsaKids over 20 years.