In 2022, Redlands Community College enhanced its academic programs by creating a pathway to an associate degree for students seeking training at Oklahoma Career Technology Centers. Today the college is working with 11 career technology centers to strengthen and expand career opportunities for students while meeting workforce demands.
“It is our mission to provide a solid, accessible education to students that prepares them to quickly enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills that businesses require,” said Jena Marr, president of Redlands Community College. “Redlands is well positioned to support the needs of Oklahoma’s future workforce and employers, but partnerships, such as our collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, highlights the innovative opportunities we have to work together to serve our students as well as business and industry.”
The Applied Technology degree connects hands-on technical training with college-level skills in communication, math and other core subjects valued by employers.
To earn an Associate in Applied Science, students complete an approved technical training program through a participating technology center along with general education courses through Redlands. Currently, the programs available include nearly 20 options in allied health, applied agriculture, business and accounting, computer systems and applications, and industrial power and transportation.
“Oklahomans deserve educational institutions committed to public service and focused on equipping people with the skills needed to thrive today. That’s what they receive through the CareerTech and Redlands partnership,” said Brent Haken, director of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. “It is exciting to think about the future for our state that we are building together by being career focused, intentional and practical for the student. I am honored to stand side by side with Dr. Marr and celebrate our teamwork.”
The result of this partnership is more than a credential. Students graduate with technical expertise that allows them to enter the workforce quickly while earning the broader academic foundation that comes with a college degree. That combination develops not only job-specific skills but also critical thinking, communication and problem-solving abilities that employers consistently value. It also creates greater flexibility for graduates who may choose to advance into leadership roles or continue their education later in their careers.
The need for these opportunities continues to grow. In 2025, Oklahoma had more than 41,000 jobs requiring an associate degree, and demand for associate-degree holders is projected to continue increasing through 2030. Redlands is committed to ensuring students are prepared to meet that demand while providing Oklahoma employers with a pipeline of highly skilled graduates who are ready to contribute immediately.
To learn more about the programs available and how to begin, visit redlandscc.edu/applied-tech.