OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – The State Chamber Research Foundation (SCRF) is launching a new event in November with a focus on lifting Oklahoma to greater economic growth and prosperity by strengthening its talent pipeline from education to employment.
The Oklahoma Prosperity Summit will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at Will Rogers Theatre, 4322 N. Western Ave.
SCRF is part of The State Chamber of Oklahoma. The upcoming event will be its inaugural Prosperity Summit, and it will continue the Chamber’s mission to improve workforce development in the state.
“Workforce continues to be a top issue for the business community. We cannot wait for you to hear from these experts on the various levels of the workforce pipeline—from early education to post-secondary education. This is a great opportunity for those interested in workforce policy and ideas to come together to learn about the next steps to create a top tier workforce for Oklahoma,” said Amanda Hall, Policy and Research Manager for The State Chamber Research Foundation.
The Summit will feature three panels, each discussing how the state can grow its future workforce through its educational systems.
“The Summit is another avenue of educating policymakers, business leaders and the public on policy ideas, problems and solutions that will benefit Oklahoma’s economic prosperity. A skilled workforce begins in the classroom,” Hall said.
Exposing students to potential career pathways early on is essential for building the state’s future talent pool, according to Hall.
“Early exposure to careers is vital to ensuring students know what their futures could look like,” Hall said. “This begins with foundational learning of reading, math and critical thinking because the workforce uses those skills daily. We have to make sure students are prepared early on so that they can enter into whatever field they desire.”
The Summit will include the following three panels:
Early Education Panel – Exploring the importance of quality early education access.
- Lucia Frohling, Director of Parent Services, Oklahoma Parents for Student Achievement
- Dr. Megan Oftedal, Executive Director, Office of Educational Quality and Accountability
- Casey Sullivan Taylor, Policy Director, Early Literacy, ExcelinEd
Career Pathways Panel-Exploring efforts to better connect students to career pathways.
- Terry Adams, Director, Oklahoma Aviation Academy, Norman Public Schools
- Brent Haken, State Director, Oklahoma Department of CareerTech
- Chuck McCauley, Superintendent, Bartlesville Public Schools
- Quentin Suffren, Senior Advisor, College & Career Pathways, ExcelinEd
Higher Education Panel – Exploring the responsiveness of universities and colleges to Oklahoma’s workforce needs.
- Dr. Brandon Tatum, Executive Director, Regional University System of Oklahoma
- Courtney Warmington, State Regent, Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education
SCRF is a nonpartisan thinktank that works to help Oklahoma’s business community grow and thrive. It publishes in-depth reports from national and local experts on the key economic issues facing Oklahoma, and breaks down complex topics into actionable information. SCRF’s efforts are focused on maximizing Oklahoma’s economic competitiveness to help the state achieve greater prosperity.
Click here to register for the Oklahoma Prosperity Summit.
