Students from Central Tech’s Drumright campus recently put their skills and compassion into action at the Gold4Kids Walk, an annual event hosted by the Gold4Kids Foundation of Tulsa. The walk celebrates survivors, encourages families battling childhood cancer, and honors the memory of children who have lost their battle.

This year’s event carried special meaning, as it marked the first Gold4Kids Walk since the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteers and organizers were determined to make its return stronger than ever. “We wanted to show strong community support to help kick off the event’s return and keep it growing for years to come,” said Monica Frick, Cosmetology instructor and SkillsUSA advisor.

Student volunteers from four classes, representing three Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), worked together to deliver a busload of fun and free career-oriented activities for families.

Members of HOSA–Future Health Professionals from the Advanced Health Careers program hosted a Teddy Bear Clinic, where children received stuffed animals and practiced “treating” their bears’ boo-boos with skilled hands and caring hearts. Students from Business Professionals of America (BPA) in Business Information & Technology brought smiles to families by dressing as popular characters, greeting guests, and posing for photos. SkillsUSA students from Cosmetology offered colorful salon-style experiences including nail polish, hair tinsel, and hair chalk, alongside an art station and free popcorn.

“It was important to us that we had something for everyone to enjoy at our booths,” said Jaxyn Elliott, Cosmetology student and SkillsUSA member from Cushing High School.

A highlight of the day came from Digital Media student and BPA member Jason “Sam” Kelley of Drumright, who volunteered his photography talents to capture priceless memories for families and volunteers. His photos will be gifted to the Gold4Kids Foundation of Tulsa to help promote future events.

For students, the experience connected classroom learning to real-world service. “We got to use our skills to bring people joy,” shared BPA member and Cleveland High School student Jayden Wynn. “It wasn’t about money or recognition; it was about making a difference.” Many participants left inspired by the families they met.

“We thought we were there to help them … but they ended up inspiring us even more. It reminded us why we chose a career focused on helping others.”

– Karol Flores, Advanced Health Careers Student and HOSA member from Cushing

Central Tech students hope to continue supporting the Gold4Kids Walk each year, helping it grow stronger with every event. Projects like this show how career training and community service go hand in hand, proving that helping others is at the heart of every great career.

November 10-14, 2025, more than 1,300 students from Central Tech district high schools will tour programs at Sapulpa and/or Drumright campuses for the annual CT Showcase event.

Formerly known as “Sophomore Tours,” CT Showcase has expanded its audience with the growth of our program offerings. The purpose, however, remains the same: to help high school students make educated decisions about their future. “Central Tech benefits all students – whether they plan to enroll in college, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce,” said Central Tech Career Advisor Chet Cundiff. As students tour Central Tech campuses and classrooms, we want them to consider how our programs can help jumpstart their careers in healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, business, and more.

• District high school students attend half-day, tuition-free.
• Central Tech offers full-time programs (1-2 years) for juniors and seniors.
• Specialized academies in Biomedical Sciences and Pre-Engineering can begin sophomore year – but juniors and seniors are still eligible to apply.
• Daily, round-trip transportation is provided from district high schools.
• Central Tech recruiters work directly with high school counselors to:
  • ensure graduation requirements are met
  • help balance concurrent enrollment, athletics, and extracurriculars.

• Even college- or military-bound students can gain hands-on skills and nationally recognized certifications that make them stronger candidates in any field.
• Some Central Tech programs qualify for college credit hours under prior learning agreements (PLA) with partner accredited universities.
• Many companies that hire Central Tech graduates offer education assistance programs; employees can achieve higher education goals with less debt, while gaining valuable industry experience, growing their professional network, and strengthening their resumes, among other typical corporate benefits.
• Central Tech graduates often enter the workforce above minimum-wage, allowing them to make more money [than other entry-level positions] while working less hours.
• Enlisted graduates often report that the skills they learned at Central Tech position them ahead of their peers in Advanced Individual Training.

• Online application for the Fall 2026 semester opens November 10, 2025 at centraltech.edu.
• Recruiters will begin conducting interviews on high school campuses in January. All applicants will be invited to interview. While students are encouraged to dress professionally, selections are based on grades, attendance, application, and alignment of interests and program availability— not appearance.
• Students will be notified of their acceptance by May 2026. Those not initially accepted may be placed on a waitlist or receive guidance for improving their application.

For students who don’t attend Central Tech during high school, opportunity doesn’t end at graduation. The CHOICES Tuition Waiver allows eligible students to attend Central Tech tuition-free for up to four years following high school graduation.