After a successful pilot year in Mannford and Ripley, Central Tech’s innovative Explorer Program is expanding to five additional partner schools this fall. The program now reaches seven middle schools across the Central Tech district, helping students discover career options early through hands-on learning tied to real-world pathways.
Krista Burden, assistant superintendent at Bristow, said, “We’re excited to expose students to a variety of careers and help them start linking what they love to real-world opportunities. When a student realizes something they enjoy can actually become a career, it’s a game changer.”
Bristow Middle School Principal Lawrence Seachris added, “This isn’t a filler elective. It’s intentional. It gets kids thinking early, and that gives us a better foundation for grades 7 and 8. We’ve already had great feedback from our community, and students are excited.”
Burden also noted strong parental support. “A lot of parents have said it’s time to go back to some of the old skills, like teaching kids how to change the oil in a car. When I explain the Explorer Program, they’re 100% on board because it connects school to real life.”
Cushing Superintendent Melissa Amon said the timing was ideal. “We wanted to offer something meaningful without adding cost or strain to our schedule. Central Tech removed those barriers. We’re now offering Explorer to all seventh graders.”
Cushing Middle School Principal Stacy Weaver added, “We wanted to change up our electives and offer students something more meaningful. The Explorer Program gives every student a chance to find an interest early, and we’ve already seen how programs like e-gaming can completely change a student’s engagement.”
In Oilton, Middle School Principal Caitlin Robinson welcomed the program as a chance to deepen student engagement. “Our students don’t always get electives until 8th grade. Explorer gives them something different, something hands-on, and that matters, especially in small schools where opportunity can feel limited.”
She continued, “We’re a very small school with just 48 students. Programs like this open new doors they wouldn’t get otherwise. It makes education feel useful and gets them excited to come to school.”
Oilton Superintendent Jennie Purvis agreed. “Our kids often ask, ‘Why do we need to learn this?’ Explorer helps answer that question.”
Dr. Angela Avila, superintendent of Drumright Public Schools, said, “We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to our students. Partnering with Central Tech enhances our commitment to prepare students for both college and career. The Explorer Program provides age-appropriate exposure to real-world skills in an engaging way.”
Seachris echoed that sentiment, noting, “Education is evolving. Students need to start thinking about their future earlier than ever, and Explorer lays that foundation so they don’t miss out on key opportunities.”
Tori Griffin, counselor at Yale, and Superintendent Rocky Kennedy expressed excitement for what’s ahead. “Yale Public Schools is thrilled to introduce the Explorer Program – a brand-new, instructor-led course launching in 2025 for our 7th and 8th graders. This innovative way of teaching has sparked excitement across our district. Explorer brings a sense of purpose around career-readiness and empowers students through real-world connections. We’re proud to be part of this opportunity.”
All schools emphasized the impact the program has on student mindset and future planning. “We want our students to graduate with a plan,” said Kelly Spradlin, superintendent of Mannford. “Whether it’s work, college, or military, we want them to know where they’re headed – and that starts now, not at the end of senior year.”
As part of the program’s expansion, each new site will receive fully funded curriculum, equipment, and training from Central Tech. Teachers are already observing in existing classrooms to prepare for fall. Nancy Overton, who leads the program, will continue supporting onboarding and instructional development.
Spradlin added, “I’m just really thankful. Central Tech is bringing opportunities we couldn’t create on our own – and they’ve done it in a way that supports our people and fits our schools.”
The Explorer Program will serve more than 350 students this coming year. Each school will integrate it differently – offering the class in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade – but the mission remains the same: to give students a meaningful, hands-on start toward their future.
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