Oklahoma Guardian Development Program

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Us Department of Labor supports workforce development pathways for youth as the most efficient process for developing a local labor force. Like evidence-based programming around the nation, our program promotes equitable outcomes for disproportionately impacted communities by providing them with educational assistance, mentorship, and an attainable pathway to a career in Public Safety. The program increases alignment between employers and a highly educated workforce. The partnerships in place, to support the strength of this program, include TCC, OSU Tulsa, and the Tulsa Police department. This program provides real opportunities for workforce readiness and career preparation, and to meet labor market needs.

EVIDENCE

We intend to promote racial equity within our program design by utilizing an established rubric for financial need and programmatic commitment from the student. Our approach to workforce development pathways for youth addresses the negative economic impact of not only generational poverty but communities hit hardest by the pandemic. The program is sustainable due to the strong partnerships between local workforce entities (Tulsa Police Department) and state and local education agencies (TCC & OSU Tulsa). This program offers opportunities to historically underserved students with no resources to receive the skills and education necessary to become college and career-ready.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

We intend to promote racial equity within our program design by utilizing an established rubric for financial need and programmatic commitment from the student. Our approach to workforce development pathways for youth addresses the negative economic impact of not only generational poverty but communities hit hardest by the pandemic. The program is sustainable due to the strong partnerships between local workforce entities (Tulsa Police Department) and state and local education agencies (TCC & OSU Tulsa). This program offers opportunities to historically underserved students with no resources to receive the skills and education necessary to become college and career-ready.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

We plan to conduct a program evaluation annually and quadrennially to show the efficacy of our program and evidence-based intervention. The inaugural class of 10 students, from historically disenfranchised communities, will receive the means and continued guidance to attain their bachelor?s degree and be gainfully employed as a public safety officer within four years. We will replicate this process over four years; working with 40 plus students. Our success is our student?s success.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding