Serine
Oklahoma CareerTech is facing a major funding setback after the Trump administration froze over $7.5 million in federal grants intended to support adult education across the state.
According to Brent Haken, Director of Oklahoma Career Tech, the delay comes amid federal concerns that the funding may be used to educate undocumented immigrants.
Programs and Sites Affected Statewide
The funding freeze directly impacts Adult Education and Family Literacy programs, which are provided through 30 organizations at 119 locations throughout Oklahoma.
These programs offer essential services, including helping adults earn a high school equivalency diploma, a vital step for improving employment prospects.
Haken emphasized that CareerTech has already implemented safeguards to ensure undocumented individuals do not receive benefits from these funds. Still, he remains hopeful the money will be released soon.
“These programs serve as a lifeline for thousands of Oklahomans who are seeking to improve their education and employment opportunities,” said Haken.
Impact on Educators and Operations
The funding halt could affect over 500 teachers, who are not employed by CareerTech but rely on the program’s support.
Many adult education programs have paused their operations until the funding issue is resolved. However, some are continuing to serve communities despite the financial uncertainty.
Importantly, Oklahoma does not offer state funding for high school equivalency programs, meaning the federal grants are the only pathway for approximately 300,000 adults in the state to complete their education.
Legislative Response and Funding Timeline
Haken has communicated the situation to members of the Oklahoma Legislature, expressing urgency over the issue.
He informed the CareerTech board that more definitive answers about the funding status are expected by August 9.
In the meantime, another stream of federal funding—$18.4 million from the Carl D. Perkins grant for career and technical education—remains unaffected by the freeze.
The freezing of federal funds for Oklahoma CareerTech’s adult education programs poses a serious risk to thousands of adults seeking better opportunities through education.
Without swift action from the federal government, vulnerable learners and educators alike may be left without crucial resources, undermining efforts to strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline.