Secretary of Education visits Francis Tuttle tech campus

Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona visited Northwest Oklahoma City recently to tour Francis Tuttle Technology Center.

Cardona was welcomed to the Information Technology building at Francis Tuttle’s Rockwell Campus. The facility houses several programs that center on technology skills for students, including computer science, programming, and video editing.

Cardona spoke to instructors and students from a variety of programs about their experience at Francis Tuttle and within the Oklahoma CareerTech system. Part of his mission as Secretary is to foster better connections between American students and the careers and industries in which they are interested.

“What I saw here today was something that I want to lift up. You’re doing it right here in Oklahoma,” Cardona said. “In this administration, we’re really big on making sure that we’re giving students career and college pathways. I came to visit Francis Tuttle because it’s doing a great job of it.”

Cardona made stops at a classroom in the Computer Science Academy, the 3-D Animation Program, and the Broadcast and Video Production program. He also held a roundtable discussion with students, where they talked about gaining career and realworld opportunities while still in high school, access to life skills classes, and how attending Francis Tuttle also helps them prepare for college.

“We are so thrilled that Secretary Cardona visited our campus and got to see the benefits of a CareerTech education,” Dr. Michelle Keylon, Superintendent/CEO of Francis Tuttle, said. “He took time to visit with students, ask questions, and discuss how our programs help prepare students for success in the workplace. I am encouraged by his desire to improve the connections between students and the careers and industries that interest them, as that is a key part of our mission and how we serve our community.”

Brent Haken, State Director of Oklahoma CareerTech, joined the tour and welcomed Cardona to Oklahoma.