Connors State College

PROJECT PURPOSE

To expand educational opportunities for rural students and improve community stability through the increase of technological availability. To provide economic development and community growth through stabilization efforts including increasing economic security of essential workers.

EVIDENCE

Feinburg and Solstis (2020) found that increasing available technology for students improved educational outcomes. Rural communities often face barriers to access for educational attainment due to a lack of adequate technology. This project will allow students on and off campus to benefit from connectivity. It will further safe guard the technological infrastructure of the organization providing a strong foundation for future economic development sector growth.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Connors State College has previously been identified as a non-tribal Native American serving institution due to the high percentage of tribally enrolled students. The college also provides access to higher education for under represented populations in high poverty communities through our concurrent enrollment and early college programs. Additionally, the institution partners with local state agencies in the provision of workforce development opportunities for economically disadvantaged families.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Data will be collected including overall student enrollment, concurrent student enrollment, distance learning percentages and the number of technology aided community hosted events. Data will be provided to the house fiscal committees annually.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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