Cameron University is one of five higher education institutions in Oklahoma to be awarded special project grants through the UpskillOK Individual Program Grant Initiative, a strategic effort of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The program accelerates workforce development and innovation through micro-credential programs.
Cameron will receive $15,000 for its initiative, Supporting Teacher Entry Pathways (STEP). Called “STEP into Teaching,” the program helps paraprofessionals transition into teaching through scholarships and workshops. The program blends foundational teaching skills with artificial intelligence (AI) integration, preparing participants for college coursework and future classrooms while strengthening Oklahoma’s educator workforce.
“Cameron University is thrilled to be part of this initiative,” said president Shane Hunt. “Our state continues to face a serious teacher shortage, so our program – which melds artificial intelligence with traditional skills – will help give teachers the knowledge and skills they will need to be more effective in the classroom.”
UpskillOK addresses Oklahoma’s urgent need for a skilled workforce by supporting development of short-term, stackable learning pathways directly aligned with high-demand skills requested by employers. Micro-credentials empower individuals to re-enter the workforce, advance in their careers, and prepare for the evolving digital economy.
The fall 2025 grant program emphasizes integrating artificial intelligence fundamentals into educational pathways, ensuring Oklahomans are prepared for the future of work.
“These grant awards reflect our commitment to advancing Oklahoma’s workforce and ensuring state system colleges and universities remain at the forefront of educational innovation,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “By fostering collaboration between educators and employers and embedding AI literacy within our academic offerings, we are preparing Oklahomans for success in a rapidly changing workplace.”
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education awarded $150,000 in grants as part of the program. In addition to Cameron, grants were awarded to Northeastern State University, Oklahoma State University-Tulsa, Rose State College and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
Awarded projects will focus on collaborating with local employers to develop micro-credentials aligned with workforce needs, integrating AI fundamentals and digital learning platforms into curriculum, providing enhanced student support and coaching services, leveraging local workforce resources and partnerships, and promoting micro-credential opportunities through dedicated outreach and communication.
Funding supports student scholarships, program development, employer engagement, faculty training, marketing, research and collaborative initiatives.
###
PR#25-154
