Workforce bill approved to allow more CareerTech students to qualify for Oklahoma’s Promise

OKLAHOMA CITY – More Oklahoma students wanting to continue their education through the state’s Career Technology system could soon be eligible for the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) scholarship, also known as Oklahoma’s Promise, under legislation approved unanimously Wednesday by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee, authored Senate Bill 27 to boost Oklahoma’s workforce by providing a new pathway for students to attain critically needed licenses and certifications through careertechs.  

“Oklahoma’s Promise has helped thousands of students fulfill their dream of obtaining a higher education or attending a CareerTech by completing the stringent college preparatory curriculum,” Pemberton said. “Given that careertech programs and certifications can be completed in much less time than a traditional bachelor’s or even a two-year degree, my bill would allow students wishing to attend a careertech to qualify for the state tuition program by simply completing the high school core curriculum, making this an easier and more attainable path for many students.”

SB 27 would further allow all students wishing to continue their education to qualify for OHLAP with a composite SAT score of 1110 or higher, which is the equivalent to the current ACT score requirement of 22 or more.

Currently, to qualify for OHLAP, students must be an Oklahoma resident; enroll in the scholarship program in the 8^th-11^th grade; meet the family income requirements; maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA; and be an upstanding citizen.

The bill, co-authored by Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, will next be considered by the full Senate.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Pemberton: (405) 521-5533 or Dewayne.Pemberton@oksenate.gov