Northeastern State University secures $5 million grant for career pathways

Partnership with TCC, EOSC will expand student support & workforce preparation across eastern OK

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University (NSU) has received $5 million through the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant to lead AccelerateOK, a five-year collaborative initiative with Tulsa Community College (TCC) and Eastern Oklahoma State College (EOSC). The work will strengthen career exploration, workforce preparation and employer engagement for students across eastern Oklahoma.

As the lead institution, NSU will work with TCC and EOSC to combine the institutions’ expertise in workforce education, student support and transfer preparation, developing educational pathways to support students across rural communities and the Tulsa metropolitan area.

The three institutions will connect with regional employers, school districts and industry representatives to strengthen connections between education and workforce needs. Students will gain increased access to workforce advising, internships, networking opportunities and other experiential learning activities designed to support career readiness and long-term success.

“Students benefit when they can see how their education connects to future career opportunities,” said NSU President Rodney Hanley. “Through this grant and partnership, our institutions will work together to help students explore early career options and build clear pathways starting from high school. We’ll help students make informed decisions about their futures while strengthening the workforce and communities we serve.”

As part of AccelerateOK, NSU and TCC will host annual regional workforce summits to identify workforce needs, review academic programs and expand opportunities for internships and experiential learning. A Workforce Faculty Fellows program will bring faculty members and employers together to develop credentials, align curriculum with workforce needs and strengthen pathways from community college programs to bachelor’s degrees.

The grant will also support postsecondary pathway coordinators in regions around Tahlequah and Broken Arrow to support high school students transitioning to college. EOSC will establish a Career Navigation and Employer Engagement Coordinator to expand local career services and strengthen connections between students and employers.

Each institution will also offer a virtual career center, providing students with access to career information, employment opportunities and career development resources.

At NSU, the grant will also support the revision or expansion of micro-credentials, certificate programs and digital badges giving students additional opportunities to build credentials as they pursue further education.

Over the five-year plan, AccelerateOK aims to improve high school concurrent enrollment and transfer enrollment from TCC and EOSC to NSU.

Through expanded support services, technology-enhanced resources and collaboration among the three institutions, AccelerateOK is designed to improve student persistence and completion while strengthening connections between higher education and Oklahoma’s workforce.

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