The State Chamber of Oklahoma

PROJECT PURPOSE

Be Pro Be Proud is a program designed to respond to Oklahoma?s current workforce shortage. The program seeks to educate and garner student, parent, and educator interest in high demand technical professions within a variety of industries. The Be Pro ?mobile workshop? travels to schools across the state taking hands-on learning tools for students to interact with and experience what a career in one of these professions would look like. The program also connects employers in need of these positions with students interested in learning more. Through this process of practical, hands-on experiences and employer connection, Be Pro Be Proud has the potential to change the perception of technical professions and skilled trade jobs and directly address the state?s workforce shortage.

EVIDENCE

The Be Pro program was originally started in Arkansas with the goal of responding to the workforce shortage faced in their state. In the first five years of the program?s activity, the mobile workshop completed nearly 600 tour stops and had 110,000 visitors. Of these 110,000 visitors, 22,000 have indicated an interest in learning more about jobs in these professions and have been connected with employers in the state. Technical schools have also seen a considerable jump in enrollment. Demand for the program continues to increase in Arkansas, with a growing waiting list of schools interested in a tour.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Communities across the state can benefit from the Be Pro program. The design of the mobile workshop allows the program to travel anywhere in the state, from very rural areas to inner-city schools. The pandemic seemingly closed many opportunities for students across the state. Schools were shut down, jobs became less available, and opportunities for higher education became more challenging to many students. However, with the economy?s bounce back and increased demand for a variety of well paid, skilled trade occupations, now is a perfect time to broaden student?s horizons and provide opportunities that make the most sense for them. This program also addresses the crippling workforce shortage that employers across the state have faced as fallout of the pandemic.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The performance of Be Pro is measured by how many schools and students are reached and subsequently, how many of those students are connected with employers and potentially pursue a career in these skilled positions. This program is also expected to cause an increased enrollment in technical programs and institutions across the state.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma