OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (OBV) – The Oklahoma City Innovation District is investing in the city’s future workforce by awarding more than $291,000 in grants to seven local organizations expanding STEM education and career readiness programs.
The STEM Education Workforce Development Committee of the Innovation District announced the awards this week, distributing a total of $291,375 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds. Grant recipients include Kidvation Global, Class Matters, Thinkverse, Restore OKC, Freedom City, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC), and Science Museum Oklahoma.
The funding will support a wide range of initiatives, from after-school tinkering programs and STEM academies to hands-on community-based learning experiences. Each program is designed to connect students with accredited pathways into high-demand career fields.
Dr. Lamkin, founder of Class Matters, which received $50,000, said the grant will allow the nonprofit to significantly expand its reach.
“We exist to rid the spirit of entitlement. Work for it, put effort toward it,” Lamkin said. “This funding lets us give students a true day in the life as a STEM professional. To go from one site to five sites is unheard of, and it means more young people will get hands-on exposure to careers that can change their futures.”
At OCCC, the $40,300 grant will help launch a new Fall STEM Academy in partnership with Millwood High School. The academy will connect students directly with professors, industry-relevant curriculum, and recognized certifications.
“We’re very excited,” said Melissa Brevetti, Ph.D., Director of Grants at OCCC. “Our professors are amazing. In fact, the Journal Record voted us the best undergraduate teaching. This program will give high school students a chance to experience that firsthand.”
Science Museum Oklahoma, awarded $47,475, will expand its popular Student Night program, which brings students and families into the museum after hours for interactive STEM exploration.
“It’s about creating moments that stick,” said Chris Syfrett, Tinkering Initiatives Manager. “When students get to explore, build, and experiment in a space designed for curiosity, you can see the spark happen in real time, and that spark can grow into a passion that lasts well beyond the night itself.”
The Innovation District’s leaders said the grants represent more than just financial support — they are a strategic investment in Oklahoma City’s future workforce. By equipping educators, nonprofits, and institutions with resources, the program aims to strengthen the city’s pipeline into science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
Grant Recipients and Award Amounts:
- Kidvation Global — $50,000
- Class Matters — $50,000
- Thinkverse — $15,100
- Restore OKC — $43,500
- Freedom City — $45,000
- Oklahoma City Community College — $40,300
- Science Museum Oklahoma — $47,475
