WILBURTON, Okla. – Kiamichi Tech proudly announces Huber Engineered Woods as the recipient of the 2024 OkACTE Partners in Progress Award, a prestigious recognition presented by the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education (OkACTE) and the Oklahoma Association of Technology Centers (OATC). 

This award celebrates Huber’s exceptional contributions to the advancement, promotion, development and progress of career and technology centers in Oklahoma. Each year, OkACTE and OATC recognize businesses for their outstanding commitment to the improvement of career technical education, workforce excellence and education in the community.  

The partnership between Huber and Kiamichi Tech not only prepares the next generation of highly-skilled workers in the engineering and industrial maintenance fields, but also reflects Huber’s global commitment to education. As part of their strategic approach to community engagement, Huber donates a percentage of their net income annually towards helping people and the planet. 

“Thanks to Huber’s ‘Impact Your Community’ funding program, we recently completed construction of a new STEM classroom and lab,” said Shelley Ebert, Campus Director at Kiamichi Tech – Idabel. “This project will benefit our students and community for years to come, and gives Huber employees the opportunity to volunteer and get involved on our campus.” 

Huber employees are advocates for career and technology education and believe in Kiamichi Tech’s mission of “Preparing People for Success.” Local Huber employees serve on Kiamichi Tech’s Business and Education Councils that connect students to jobs and matches training to workforce needs. They also regularly provide guest speakers and field trips for students, donate class supplies and materials, and hire Kiamichi Tech students for summer internships and full-time careers.  

“We believe that industry drives the economy in southeast Oklahoma, and when industry supports education, the local communities thrive,” said Shelley Free, Superintendent at Kiamichi Tech. “Together, Huber and Kiamichi Tech are making a difference in southeast Oklahoma.” 

In FY2023, Oklahoma CareerTech served 489,635 students and collaborated with 8,764 companies statewide, showcasing its commitment to connecting students and businesses with valuable training opportunities. Known for its nimbleness and flexibility, the CareerTech system in Oklahoma serves as a national model for effective industry partnerships. 

Huber's recognition as the recipient of the 2024 OkACTE Partners in Progress Award highlights the positive impact of sustained collaboration between industry leaders and career technical education institutions. This partnership serves as an exemplary model for other companies seeking to utilize the CareerTech system to achieve workforce excellence and business success.