💚 National School Counselors Week 2026 Spotlight 💚
Southwest Tech is proud to celebrate Kimmie Allen, our incredible Career Guidance Counselor, during National School Counselors Week 2026!
With more than 25 years in education—including 14 years as a school guidance counselor—Kimmie is a trusted guide for students as they explore career paths, set goals, and plan their futures. Her steady support, thoughtful guidance, and genuine care make a lasting impact on every student she serves.
Whether she’s helping students navigate career decisions, offering encouragement during challenging moments, or partnering with families and educators, Kimmie is always focused on student success.
We are so grateful for Kimmie’s dedication, experience, and heart for students. Thank you for everything you do, Kimmie—we appreciate you today and always!
#NationalSchoolCounselorsWeek #ThankYouCounselors #SouthwestTech 💚
Southwest Tech is proud to celebrate Kimmie Allen, our incredible Career Guidance Counselor, during National School Counselors Week 2026!
With more than 25 years in education—including 14 years as a school guidance counselor—Kimmie is a trusted guide for students as they explore career paths, set goals, and plan their futures. Her steady support, thoughtful guidance, and genuine care make a lasting impact on every student she serves.
Whether she’s helping students navigate career decisions, offering encouragement during challenging moments, or partnering with families and educators, Kimmie is always focused on student success.
We are so grateful for Kimmie’s dedication, experience, and heart for students. Thank you for everything you do, Kimmie—we appreciate you today and always!
#NationalSchoolCounselorsWeek #ThankYouCounselors #SouthwestTech 💚
CareerTech’s impact starts locally. Each year, Southwest Technology Center serves Altus, Blair, Duke, Granite, Hollis, Mangum, Navajo, and Olustee/El Dorado helping students gain skills and credentials that support workforce demand in our community. Career and technical education plays a vital role in strengthening Oklahoma’s workforce, one student at a time.
#CTEMonth #OKCareerTech #OklahomasWorkforceLeader #SouthwestTech
Great day of aviation inspiration away from the classroom and Hangar 33!
Our soon-to-be graduating Powerplant students had the opportunity to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford, OK , here they explored the incredible history of flight — from the early days of Kitty Hawk to modern space travel. Students were able to see historic, record-breaking aircraft up close, including the legendary F-117 Stealth Fighter on display, along with numerous exhibits showcasing aviation and aerospace milestones that helped shape the industry they are about to enter.
While there, students also participated in a professional development webinar presented by JSfirm Aviation Employment Services. The session focused on aviation job search strategies, how to effectively use their website tools, resume uploading, and tips for building strong aviation-focused resumes to help launch their careers.
Additionally, students received a presentation from Premium Aerospace in Burns Flat, where they learned about the company’s mission, current hiring opportunities, workplace goals, and employee benefits packages. This provided valuable real-world insight into career pathways available right here in our region.
It was a great day of learning, networking, and motivation — giving our future A&P mechanics one final inspirational push as they approach the finish line of a challenging and rewarding journey.
"Blue Skies and Tailwinds"
#SouthwestTech #AviationMaintenance #FutureAPs #Hangar33 #AviationCareers #WorkforceDevelopment
Our soon-to-be graduating Powerplant students had the opportunity to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford, OK , here they explored the incredible history of flight — from the early days of Kitty Hawk to modern space travel. Students were able to see historic, record-breaking aircraft up close, including the legendary F-117 Stealth Fighter on display, along with numerous exhibits showcasing aviation and aerospace milestones that helped shape the industry they are about to enter.
While there, students also participated in a professional development webinar presented by JSfirm Aviation Employment Services. The session focused on aviation job search strategies, how to effectively use their website tools, resume uploading, and tips for building strong aviation-focused resumes to help launch their careers.
Additionally, students received a presentation from Premium Aerospace in Burns Flat, where they learned about the company’s mission, current hiring opportunities, workplace goals, and employee benefits packages. This provided valuable real-world insight into career pathways available right here in our region.
It was a great day of learning, networking, and motivation — giving our future A&P mechanics one final inspirational push as they approach the finish line of a challenging and rewarding journey.
"Blue Skies and Tailwinds"
#SouthwestTech #AviationMaintenance #FutureAPs #Hangar33 #AviationCareers #WorkforceDevelopment
Dementia Dialogues® is nationally registered as an intervention training program for community members and caregivers. The training is free of charge. This is a five-part series and sessions are the first Wednesday of the month beginning March 4 and ending July 1. Classes are 10 AM to 12 Noon at Southwest Technology Center. Attending all 5 modules, individuals will receive a Certificate of Completion. Registration is required 405-426-8209 or https://osa.cventevents.com/ZZZ7k0.
🔥 METAL FAB TAKING OVER 🔥
The Metal Fabrication program at Southwest Technology Center is building a brand-new plywood rack for the Construction program! 💪⚙️
These pics show the rack coming together and the old piece it’s replacing. Real tools, real skills, real projects that matter.
Stay tuned because the replacement piece is about to be a BIG upgrade 👀🔥
🚀Small Business Owners — this one’s for YOU!🚀
Are you ready to level up your business in 2026? Join us for a FREE, high-energy ORECA workshop designed to help rural Oklahoma businesses thrive in today’s digital-first world 💻📱
📍 Southwest Tech Center | Altus, OK
📅 February 25, 2026
⏰ 10 AM – 2 PM
💡 What you’ll learn:
✔️ How to choose the right Point of Sale (POS) system for your business
✔️ Smart business planning strategies you can actually use
✔️ Social media marketing & digital retail trends every small business owner needs to know
✔️ How to stay competitive as more customers go cashless (72% use digital payments!)
🎉 Bonus: This half-day workshop is FREE, and lunch is included thanks to Herring Bank!
👉 Spots are limited and registration is required, so don’t wait!
🔗 Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oklahoma-rural-e-commerce-academy-oreca-workshops-tickets-1977070085848
Let’s future-proof your business and grow together. 💪✨
Are you ready to level up your business in 2026? Join us for a FREE, high-energy ORECA workshop designed to help rural Oklahoma businesses thrive in today’s digital-first world 💻📱
📍 Southwest Tech Center | Altus, OK
📅 February 25, 2026
⏰ 10 AM – 2 PM
💡 What you’ll learn:
✔️ How to choose the right Point of Sale (POS) system for your business
✔️ Smart business planning strategies you can actually use
✔️ Social media marketing & digital retail trends every small business owner needs to know
✔️ How to stay competitive as more customers go cashless (72% use digital payments!)
🎉 Bonus: This half-day workshop is FREE, and lunch is included thanks to Herring Bank!
👉 Spots are limited and registration is required, so don’t wait!
🔗 Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oklahoma-rural-e-commerce-academy-oreca-workshops-tickets-1977070085848
Let’s future-proof your business and grow together. 💪✨
Students in grades 6-8 can learn life skills through the Safe Sitter course at SW Technology. When they're home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting, students will learn safety, child care, first aid & rescue skills, and life and business skills, too! Saturday, March 7, from 9 AM to 4PM (students will break for lunch). The class is for students in grades 6-8. Enrollment is easy online at https://www.careertechweb.org/swtc/. $60. 580-477-2250.
CareerTech is Oklahoma’s Workforce Leader, and that leadership shows up in the classroom every day. At Southwest Technology Center, our programs are built around real-world skills, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning that prepare students for in-demand careers. By aligning education with employer needs, we help ensure Oklahoma’s workforce is ready for what’s next. #OKCareerTech #CTEMonth #OklahomasWorkforceLeader
Huge thank you to Roxanne from Poppy Salon for spending time with our cosmetology students and demonstrating men’s cuts! ✂️
We loved the hands-on training and the opportunity to sharpen our skills while building confidence in our craft. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, expertise, and passion with us—we truly appreciate it!
We loved the hands-on training and the opportunity to sharpen our skills while building confidence in our craft. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, expertise, and passion with us—we truly appreciate it!
Basic Welding is an introductory course that provides students with foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in basic techniques. No prior experience is required.
February 17 - March 12
Tuesday & Thursday
6:00-10:00 PM
$225
Enroll online at https://www.careertechweb.org/swtc/. 580-477-2250.
February 17 - March 12
Tuesday & Thursday
6:00-10:00 PM
$225
Enroll online at https://www.careertechweb.org/swtc/. 580-477-2250.
❄️ NEW DATE: Food Handler’s Class! 🍔
Don't let the snow slow you down! Our rescheduled Food Handler’s Class is officially back on the calendar for February. Whether you're starting a new job or just need a refresher on food safety, we’ve got you covered.
📅 WHEN: Monday, February 9th, 2026
📍 WHERE: Southwest Technology Center - Room 109 (711 W Tamarack Rd, Altus)
⏰ SESSIONS:
8:30 am: Spanish
1:30 pm: English
✅ FREE & Open to the public
✅ No registration required
✅ Certificate of attendance provided
See you there! 🍟🍕
#AltusOK #FoodSafety #SouthwestTech #CommunityEvents #HealthDepartment
Don't let the snow slow you down! Our rescheduled Food Handler’s Class is officially back on the calendar for February. Whether you're starting a new job or just need a refresher on food safety, we’ve got you covered.
📅 WHEN: Monday, February 9th, 2026
📍 WHERE: Southwest Technology Center - Room 109 (711 W Tamarack Rd, Altus)
⏰ SESSIONS:
8:30 am: Spanish
1:30 pm: English
✅ FREE & Open to the public
✅ No registration required
✅ Certificate of attendance provided
See you there! 🍟🍕
#AltusOK #FoodSafety #SouthwestTech #CommunityEvents #HealthDepartment
February is Career & Technical Education Appreciation Month in Oklahoma! At Southwest Technology Center, we’re proud to support students, employers, and our community by delivering hands-on, career-focused training that meets today’s workforce needs. CareerTech connects education to real-world opportunities and helps build a stronger workforce for Oklahoma, starting right here at home. #CTEMonth #OklahomasWorkforceLeader #OKCareerTech #SWTC
💘 Valentine’s Special at The Corner 💘
Sip into something sweet with our Cosmo Dirty Soda—available ALL month long for just $3! 🥤✨
Stop by and treat yourself (or your Valentine)! 💗💗💗
#thecorner #thecosmo #valentinesday #dirtysoda
Sip into something sweet with our Cosmo Dirty Soda—available ALL month long for just $3! 🥤✨
Stop by and treat yourself (or your Valentine)! 💗💗💗
#thecorner #thecosmo #valentinesday #dirtysoda
💜 Community serving community—this is what partnership looks like. 💛
Southwest Tech is proud to team up with our local churches to pour back into the people who serve our families every week. 🏘️⛪
Through our PEW-Side Prep workshop, we’re bringing FREE CPR & First Aid training directly to your church—no exams, no fees, just hands-on, life-saving skills for nursery workers and volunteers who care for our littlest members. 👶🫶
This is more than a class—it’s Southwest Tech saying thank you to the churches that strengthen our communities and keep children safe.
✔️ Free enrollment
✔️ 90-minute session
✔️ We come to your location
✔️ Certificate of Participation
Let’s protect what matters most—together. 💪💜
📞 580-477-2250 | 🌐 swtech.edu
Southwest Tech is proud to team up with our local churches to pour back into the people who serve our families every week. 🏘️⛪
Through our PEW-Side Prep workshop, we’re bringing FREE CPR & First Aid training directly to your church—no exams, no fees, just hands-on, life-saving skills for nursery workers and volunteers who care for our littlest members. 👶🫶
This is more than a class—it’s Southwest Tech saying thank you to the churches that strengthen our communities and keep children safe.
✔️ Free enrollment
✔️ 90-minute session
✔️ We come to your location
✔️ Certificate of Participation
Let’s protect what matters most—together. 💪💜
📞 580-477-2250 | 🌐 swtech.edu
🧩 Entrepreneurship in Action: More Than Business 🧠💡
Today our entrepreneurship students were presented with a challenge—unscramble letters to form words, then arrange those words into a sentence. Once completed, the message was revealed:
“What will you do for others today?”
Students immediately jumped into teamwork mode, collaborating, problem-solving, and communicating to crack the challenge together. After reading the sentence, they led a thoughtful discussion on what the question means to them and why it’s important to reflect on it daily—not just in business, but in life.
To put this mindset into action, students were challenged to write on a Post-it each day this week something they did—or will do—for others. Small actions, intentional choices, and everyday kindness can make a real difference.
We’re proud of the way these students are learning that entrepreneurship isn’t just about profits—it’s about people, purpose, and positively impacting the world around you.
Today our entrepreneurship students were presented with a challenge—unscramble letters to form words, then arrange those words into a sentence. Once completed, the message was revealed:
“What will you do for others today?”
Students immediately jumped into teamwork mode, collaborating, problem-solving, and communicating to crack the challenge together. After reading the sentence, they led a thoughtful discussion on what the question means to them and why it’s important to reflect on it daily—not just in business, but in life.
To put this mindset into action, students were challenged to write on a Post-it each day this week something they did—or will do—for others. Small actions, intentional choices, and everyday kindness can make a real difference.
We’re proud of the way these students are learning that entrepreneurship isn’t just about profits—it’s about people, purpose, and positively impacting the world around you.
🚨 LAST CHANCE TO ENROLL! 🚨
Whether you’re just getting started or have been in business for years, this workshop is for YOU.
Join us Wednesday, February 4 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM for a FREE New Business Workshop at Southwest Technology Center—featuring something you don’t get every day 👀👇
Hear directly from OTC representatives in Business Tax, Collections, and Audit as they focus on education, clarity, and real-world guidance—not enforcement.
✔ Register your business the right way
✔ Understand tax responsibilities
✔ Avoid common compliance mistakes
✔ Ask questions during a live Q&A
⏰ Space is limited and registration is closing soon!
👉 Register now:
https://www.careertechweb.org/swtc/course/index.php?sesid=ODY4NjY%3D&campusid=MjY%3D&tid=ODU3MTU%3D&autobill=MQ%3D%3D&userid=NzEw
📞 Or call 580-477-2250
Start smart. Stay compliant. Grow confidently.💼✨
Whether you’re just getting started or have been in business for years, this workshop is for YOU.
Join us Wednesday, February 4 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM for a FREE New Business Workshop at Southwest Technology Center—featuring something you don’t get every day 👀👇
Hear directly from OTC representatives in Business Tax, Collections, and Audit as they focus on education, clarity, and real-world guidance—not enforcement.
✔ Register your business the right way
✔ Understand tax responsibilities
✔ Avoid common compliance mistakes
✔ Ask questions during a live Q&A
⏰ Space is limited and registration is closing soon!
👉 Register now:
https://www.careertechweb.org/swtc/course/index.php?sesid=ODY4NjY%3D&campusid=MjY%3D&tid=ODU3MTU%3D&autobill=MQ%3D%3D&userid=NzEw
📞 Or call 580-477-2250
Start smart. Stay compliant. Grow confidently.💼✨
🎲 Calling All Dungeon Masters (and Future DMs!) 🎲
Tired of over-prepping, chaotic sessions, or players derailing everything?
🔥 Run Better TTRPGs With Less Stress 🔥
A hands-on, in-person class for D&D players who want to become better Dungeon Masters.
Learn how to:
✔ Prep less and run smoother games
✔ Handle pacing, improv, and rulings on the fly
✔ Build adventures that survive player chaos
🗓 Feb 24 & 26 | ⏰ 5–8 PM
📍 Southwest Tech | 💰 $35
👥 Only 8 seats available
👉 Sign up: www.careertechweb.org/swtc/
Be the DM your players talk about. 🐉✨
Tired of over-prepping, chaotic sessions, or players derailing everything?
🔥 Run Better TTRPGs With Less Stress 🔥
A hands-on, in-person class for D&D players who want to become better Dungeon Masters.
Learn how to:
✔ Prep less and run smoother games
✔ Handle pacing, improv, and rulings on the fly
✔ Build adventures that survive player chaos
🗓 Feb 24 & 26 | ⏰ 5–8 PM
📍 Southwest Tech | 💰 $35
👥 Only 8 seats available
👉 Sign up: www.careertechweb.org/swtc/
Be the DM your players talk about. 🐉✨
Enrollment Process Begins!
✨"Be teachable that is the whole secret." -Vernon Howard✨
The Cosmetology program would like to thank Brian from Razor's Edge for stopping in to teach us his technique on the men's haircut!
To the Southwest Technology Center Community,
With deep appreciation, we share that Superintendent and CEO Dale Latham has announced his intention to retire effective June 30, 2026.
During his tenure, Southwest Technology Center experienced continued growth, stability, and forward momentum, all while remaining focused on students, staff, and the communities we proudly serve. Dale’s leadership emphasized collaboration, teamwork, and shared success, helping shape Southwest Tech into a strong and thriving institution across Southwest Oklahoma. He has chosen this transition at a time when the district is well positioned for the future.
On behalf of the Southwest Technology Center Board of Education, faculty, staff, and students, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dale for his service, vision, and unwavering commitment. His legacy will continue to positively impact our district for years to come.
As we look ahead, the Board of Education has partnered with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) to conduct a comprehensive search for the district’s next Superintendent and CEO.
The superintendent search website, www.ossba.org/southwest, is now open and accepting applicants.
We are grateful for the leadership that has brought us to this moment and confident in the strength of our community as we move forward together.
With appreciation and respect,
Southwest Technology Center Board of Education
With deep appreciation, we share that Superintendent and CEO Dale Latham has announced his intention to retire effective June 30, 2026.
During his tenure, Southwest Technology Center experienced continued growth, stability, and forward momentum, all while remaining focused on students, staff, and the communities we proudly serve. Dale’s leadership emphasized collaboration, teamwork, and shared success, helping shape Southwest Tech into a strong and thriving institution across Southwest Oklahoma. He has chosen this transition at a time when the district is well positioned for the future.
On behalf of the Southwest Technology Center Board of Education, faculty, staff, and students, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dale for his service, vision, and unwavering commitment. His legacy will continue to positively impact our district for years to come.
As we look ahead, the Board of Education has partnered with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) to conduct a comprehensive search for the district’s next Superintendent and CEO.
The superintendent search website, www.ossba.org/southwest, is now open and accepting applicants.
We are grateful for the leadership that has brought us to this moment and confident in the strength of our community as we move forward together.
With appreciation and respect,
Southwest Technology Center Board of Education
