STORIES OF ADA AREA ENTREPRENEURS & INNOVATORS

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: How the Chickasaw Nation STEM Academy Shapes Young Minds

By: Sunnie Dawn Baker 

Space exploration has long held a fascination and curiosity for people, especially children. This interest led to the creation of the Chickasaw Nation Aviation and Space Academy (CNASA) in 2003. However, the strategy to engage children’s curiosity with one area of science eventually led to the development of more programming, and five years later, the Chickasaw Nation STEM Academy developed and added a competitive robotics team. Now, twenty-one years later, the STEM Academy hosts numerous summer day camps, STEM Home School Academy, Esports, and four different after school robotics leagues encompassing 10 active teams.

ECU STEM/NURSING ANNOUNCEMENT

On June 25th, East Central University (ECU) broke ground on a new STEM Center/School of Nursing building. As Ada is a regional healthcare hub, this addition will significantly enhance local and regional healthcare systems. ECU President Wendell Godwin noted that many students from rural Oklahoma aim to return to their hometowns to start their careers.

Historically, 84% of ECU nursing graduates stay in Oklahoma for five years post-graduation, and 75% are accepted into medical school. ECU's nursing program has a 97% NCLEX pass rate, compared to the national average of 82%.

Supported by the Chickasaw Nation, Ada’s Prop 2 Economic Development Fund, the Valley View Foundation, and the American Rescue Plan Act, the expansion is expected to increase nursing graduates by 400%. The new center will feature advanced labs and space for 200 additional students, aiming to make ECU the leading and most affordable nursing program in Oklahoma. The facility is set to open by the fall semester of 2026.

OMRF LUNCHEON

On June 27th, Ada Jobs Foundation staff attended the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) luncheon. Founded in 1946 as a non-profit organization, OMRF conducts basic biomedical research to help people live longer, healthier lives. Their scientists focus on critical research areas including lupus, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. OMRF leaders expressed their gratitude for Ada's involvement and support. Additionally, they presented information on autoimmune diseases and the significant progress being made in this area of research.

SELECT OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE:

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE EXTENDED!

On August 26^th-27^th, Select Oklahoma is hosting their annual Conference on Economic Development. This event offers a valuable opportunity to learn about various economic development initiatives happening throughout the state. The opening keynote speaker, Brian Byrnes, will discuss the significant economic impact of the OKC Thunder, focusing on how their community leadership and market expansion initiatives in 2023 have strengthened Oklahoma's economic landscape. Learn how these strategic moves will shape the state's future, extending the Thunder's influence beyond the basketball court. Additionally, Ada Jobs Foundation’s own Daniel Castaneda is co-chairing the event and participating in a panel on the next wave of economic developers.

To register for the conference, please visit here!

CISCO TRAININGS - REMINDER!

Our partners at the Center for Rural Innovation have teamed up with CISCO to provide a special certification opportunity. They offer courses in Introduction to Networks and Introduction to Cybersecurity, both free for community members. You can study at your own pace, and completion leads to CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications. Upon completion, you will get a voucher to take these exams.

Ada Jobs Foundation

580-235-0070

www.growada.com

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