Changes coming to Cooperative Alliances

Education beyond high school is the new minimum and Oklahomans must be prepared to compete in a global economy. The current demand of workers with this educational attainment outpaces the current supply and CareerTech's partnership with higher education through the Cooperative Alliances is one way we are working to meet this increased standard.


As a result of Higher Learning Commission rule changes, the Cooperative Alliance Program is being revamped.and presents new opportunities for our system to provide high-quality educational experiences for youth and adult students.

Opportunities for students to earn college credit may take multiple forms including contracts between technology centers and higher education partners or through prior learning assessments.

Four committees have been established that will look at different areas relevant to the transition from the existing agreements to a new "contract" agreement approach that is acceptable to the accrediting commission.

The four committees are:

• Technical Crosswalk Committee,
• National Standards, Certifications and EOI Standardization Committee,
• Credit Hour Evaluation Committee, and the 
• Contract Template Committee.

The work that these committees will perform, with leadership from both CTE and higher education, will be invaluable to the state of Oklahoma as we move forward with our partnership. Nationally, the Cooperative Alliance Programs supports the Complete College America and the NGA's America Works: Education and Training for Tomorrow’s Jobs initiatives In Oklahoma, the Cooperative Alliance Program is aligned with the CareerTech's Strategic Purposes of Academic Enhancement, Career Readiness, and Career Preparation.

The opportunity to eliminate barriers to student success and provide innovation to the program is critical to long-term quality and will improve Oklahoma's economy by providing the education required for students to be successful in the global economy.

CareerTech Renaissance