Media Contact: Russell Ray
Chief Communications Officer
Oklahoma CareerTech
Russell.ray@careertech.ok.gov
o) 405-743-5108
NASNTI, CASC TUTOR SPECIALIST HONORED AT MAKING IT WORK DAY
Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institutions recently received the Outstanding Community Partner/Agency award from the Oklahoma Career and Technical Education Equity Council. NASNTI was one of three Oklahoma businesses and organizations honored, along with 15 individuals, at the 30th annual Making It Work Day at the Capitol on March 6.
Making It Work Day recognizes individuals who are committed to removing barriers to success for single-parent families by providing educational experiences for students beyond the classroom. The ceremony, which was held at The Credit Union House of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, also recognized nontraditional students.
NASNTI goes above and beyond for Power I students at Carl Albert State College, said Dylana Marcaurelle, Power I program specialist, who nominated the agency for the award. The agency offers tutoring to CASC students and also works with those who are seeking high school equivalency diplomas.
NASNTI’s federally funded STEM Grant offers three science, technology, engineering and math programs and offers free tutoring in intermediate and college algebra, workforce seminars and career assistance, Marcaurelle said. Students involved in NASNTI also complete service learning while working on their academic and personal goals, she said.
“Among the many programs available to our students, NASNTI stands out because of its willingness to help our students achieve great success,” she said. “Their professionalism and attention to detail enhance our students’ ability to overcome the challenges that come with mathematical academics. They go the extra mile to help our students understand their math problems.”
OkCTEEC is affiliated with the administrative division of the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education. The council advocates for students pursuing nontraditional careers and for resources for educating single parents.
“Making It Work Day is one of my favorite award ceremonies, as it allows for those graduates, community partners and instructors who have excelled to be recognized for their hard work,” said KayTee Niquette, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families coordinator at Oklahoma CareerTech. “It is an event that is traditionally held at Oklahoma’s state Capitol, but regardless of location, our awardees are allowed to shine.
“Listening to the stories of many who accept their awards is nothing but inspirational, and OkCTEEC is very excited to host this event once again, so that special projects programs with both the Oklahoma Department of Career and Education Technology and Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education might be highlighted.”
She serves as an adviser for OkCTEEC, along with Jennifer Bielli of Oklahoma Human Services and Gina McPherson of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
“On behalf of OkCTEEC we are very excited to celebrate another year of Making It Work Day,” said Robin Shambaugh, OkCTEEC president and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Journey 2 Success Delaware County coordinator. “It is our privilege to honor and recognize our outstanding graduates, instructors and business and industry partners along with our community and agency partners across the state of Oklahoma. We would like to congratulate our students and partners for their determination, hard work and dedication this year.”
OkCTEEC’s purposes include promoting and supporting career and technology education, increasing its effectiveness, promoting research in the field and in educational equity, developing leadership and advocating for equity and diversity.
For more information about OkCTEEC, visit https://www.cteec.org/okcteec. For more information about the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, visit www.okcareertech.org.
Pictured are, from left, Sondra Shelby, assistant director of adult and family services at Oklahoma Human Services, and Terrie Bengs, a tutor specialist at NASNTI.
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