STORIES OF ADA AREA ENTREPRENEURS & INNOVATORS

From Classroom to Community:

Hands-On Water Education for Students

By: Sunnie Dawn Baker 

For many students, water science in schools is limited to learning the basics about the water cycle, but when one considers the importance of water in our lives, it is evident that more opportunities for water education needs to be available. However, the lack of funding and capacity in the public education system prevents schools from expanding their environmental science curriculum. Dr. Jessica Brumley, Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Sciences at ECU recognized this need and partnered with Dr. Robin Roberson, Associate Professor of Psychology at ECU, to offer these opportunities to local students through both a summer day camp and a workforce development initiative.

EMPOWERING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: INSIGHTS FROM THE DURANT TECHNICAL SUMMIT

On July 9-10, Peggy Saunkeah and Daniel Castaneda participated in a technical summit organized by Select Oklahoma and the Choctaw Nation in Durant. The program provided attendees with an intensive introduction to the fundamentals of economic development. Presentations were given by representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, OG+E, Oklahoma Natural Gas, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Olsson engineers, and Nabholz Corporation. The speakers elaborated on their respective roles and their relevance to professionals in economic development. They also shared valuable tips and strategies for economic developers when responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

INNOVATEBLUE: ADVANCING WATER SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH COLLABORATION

On July 17, AJF, the Oka’ Institute, the Chickasaw Nation, and EPA’s Robert S. Kerr Labs hosted their event, “Sustainability Through Collaboration and Commercialization.” Attendees learned about the importance of water and how these organizations are collaborating to enhance Ada’s role in the blue economy. Amanda Aker, the Commercialization Officer and Patent Agent at the OSU Innovation Foundation, delivered a presentation on the patent process and the needs of entrepreneurs developing new technologies. Her presentation was followed by Barney Austin of AquaStrategies, who discussed his groundwater research using remote sensing and his previous work on Iraq's water supply. The event ended with Duane Smith from the Oka’ Institute, who explained the various roles within the blue economy and emphasized the significance of economic development in this sector.

ADA TAKES ON OSHKOSH

Peggy Saunkeah and Daniel Castaneda attended the EAA Airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, representing the Ada Jobs Foundation. Oklahoma had a strong presence with 10,000 aircraft, visitors from 94 countries, and over 677,000 attendees. Oklahoma, the only state with a booth, aimed to promote its airport systems and attract businesses.

Ada was well-represented with Chris Eckler from Ada High School’s Aviation program, several students, and GAMI representatives all attending the show. The Oklahoma legislative delegation included Senator John Haste, Speaker Pro Tem Kyle Hilbert, Senator Nicole Miller, and Paula Kedy from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.

SUMMER CODING CAMP SHOWCASE

At the end of July, Sunnie Baker hosted a Summer Coding Camp Showcase with her students at Goodwill Coffee. Parents got a chance to see their children's projects, where students used scratch-based coding to develop business ideas addressing community issues. With 13 participants, the summer program was a success for the Conduit Initiative.

Stay tuned for the upcoming YCL season starting this fall!

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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