Workforce and Economic Development Center - Great Plains Technology Center

08/21/2026

No experience needed — a pressure-free, fun hobby to help you unwind after work; Beginning Guitar with Toby Wayne runs September 1–November 3, 2026 (Tuesdays, 6:30–8:30 PM), tuition $125 — call 580-335-5525 to register.

08/20/2026

Join us for the Rancher’s Thursday Lunchbox Series, focusing on emerging livestock diseases and pests! Learn from expert ranchers and scientists about animal health challenges like the New World screwworm, bovine theileriosis, and pasture mealybug. These free webinars start August 27 and run through September 24—don’t miss out on valuable tips for beef cattle management! Register now by scanning the QR code.

08/20/2026

Dr. George I. Bridges was recently honored as All-State School Board by the Oklahoma State School Boards Association. Dr. Bridges has served on the GPTC school board since 1976 with a steadfast belief in education changing lives.

“Since 1976, Dr. George Bridges has led with a commitment that has never wavered —placing students, families, and communities across Southwest Oklahoma at the center of every decision,” Great Plains Technology Center Superintendent Joelle Jolly said. “His leadership has been at the forefront of nearly every major Great Plains Technology Center milestone. His selection to the OSSBA All-State Board of Education is a well-deserved recognition of a lifetime devoted to expanding opportunities, strengthening communities and putting students first. Few individuals have had such a profound and lasting impact on education in Southwest Oklahoma, and we are proud to celebrate this extraordinary honor with him.”

His leadership goes beyond the decisions made in the boardroom. Ensuring every student has the same opportunity to attend Great Plains Technology Center, he has sponsored the Dr. George Bridges Next Step Scholarship, which has helped ease the financial burden for more than 2,000 students and provided over $800,000 in financial relief.

Great Plains Technology Center is proud to celebrate Dr. Bridges, and grateful for his years of service to our students.

08/19/2026

Protect your winter wheat from fall armyworms this season. In Oklahoma, activity is rising—these caterpillars thrive in lush summer growth, so early detection matters. Spot the white inverted “Y” on the head and “windowpane” leaf feeding. Keep fields weed-free, consider insecticide seed treatments, and scout often—treat small larvae for best control. Safeguard your yield!

Learn more about Fall Armyworms as Oklahoma crops wind down, such as their identification, lifecycle, signs of damage, how to scout, the economic threshold and foliar chemical control options.

08/17/2026

10 Training @ GPTC
Join us September 11 through 12 at the Lawton campus for the OSHA 10 – General Industry Class, covering federal OSHA policies, procedures, standards, and essential safety and health principles. The cost is $95. Register now at https://buff.ly/yghUknU

08/17/2026

08/12/2026

Make your next career move this fall with these three great classes starting soon. Call our Frederick campus today 📞 335-5525.

08/12/2026

Join us for the Dog Days of Summer blood drive at Great Plains Technology Center on Thursday, August 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Seminar Room! Walk-ins are welcome. Donors will receive a Dog Days T-shirt, BloodHounds bandana, and a choice of park ticket. Help us make a difference and beat the heat!

Every drop counts. Be the reason for someone's heartbeat.

08/11/2026

Stay alert, Oklahoma cotton growers! The cotton jassid, a serious pest threatening yields with potential losses up to 90%, has been detected earlier in Texas and is building in the southeastern U.S., moving closer to Oklahoma. While not yet found in OK, monitoring is crucial—check for distinctive black spots on adults, and look for hopperburn symptoms like yellowing and leaf desiccation. Early detection and management through scouting, cultural practices, and targeted insecticides are vital to protect your crops. Stay updated via OSU’s Pest e-Alert system and Instagram , and contact the OSU Cotton IPM team if you suspect activity. Be proactive to safeguard your cotton yield! https://buff.ly/V2WgBN1

Learn more about Cotton Jassid, where to track its movement, identification, biology, damage, scouting protocol, management guidance and chemical control.

08/11/2026

Only two days remain until FrontLine Leadership training — we have a few seats left for managers and supervisors; call 580.250.5535 to enroll and secure your spot.