My livelihood has been horse racing up until this point. Radiology is not something I knew much about before researching it. A friend, also a former jockey, inspired me to explore this path.
When Garrett Steinberg graduated high school in 2007, he immediately went to work in the field of horse racing, first as a jockey, and then as a trainer. “My livelihood has been horse racing up until this point,” he said.
However, Garrett envisioned a different future outside of horse racing — not just for himself, but for his wife and daughters. He sought a career that would allow him to support his family while finding fulfillment in his work and making a positive impact on others. As a first-generation college student, he returned to school at Oklahoma City Community College to pursue a degree in Radiology. “Radiology is not something I knew much about before researching it. A friend, also a former jockey, inspired me to explore this path,” he shared. With a history of injuries and numerous MRIs and X-rays, he felt a personal connection to the field, believing it would be a perfect fit for him.
Garrett’s story is an example of a significant shift occurring in the educational and career paths of young Americans, highlighting the growing recognition of alternative educational paths and changing workforce demands.
According to data released by the National Student Clearinghouse, from 2019 to 2024, hiring rates for workers in their 20s with bachelor’s degrees declined, while those for positions requiring vocational or associate degrees increased. Enrollment patterns in higher education also reflect this trend, with bachelor’s degree programs experiencing a 4% drop and vocational schools seeing a 5% rise.
Vocational and associate degree programs are gaining appeal due to their targeted skills training, shorter completion times, and lower costs than traditional four-year degrees. They often align closely with specific industry needs, potentially leading to better job prospects in certain fields.
The Oklahoma City Community Foundation has played a pivotal role in this journey and students like him at OCCC by awarding nearly $1 million in scholarships to OCCC students since 1997. The Community Foundation’s commitment to first-generation college students at OCCC is evident, with nearly $278,000 awarded to 196 students since 2001, creating pathways for success and contributing to the growth of Oklahoma’s workforce.
Together, OCCF and OCCC are creating opportunities for students as well as developing and boosting Oklahoma’s workforce.
Oklahoma City Community College has more than 18,000 students and offers more than 87 degree and certificate programs. Currently, OCCC is one of the largest colleges in the state for micro certification to meet workforce needs across Oklahoma.
The partnership between OCCF and OCCC goes back a long time too, and in more ways than scholarships. In 1983 John Kirkpatrick established a designated fund for OCCC at the Community Foundation with $25,000. Ten years later, OCCC took advantage of a Kirkpatrick Family Fund Match Challenge and used $1,750.00 from the earnings of the initial $25,000 and started their organization fund. With total contributions of approximately $260,000, their fund has grown to nearly $400,000 over the years – demonstrating the impact of steady investment and strong investment management.
Lizbeth Ochoa utilized a scholarship from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation to attend OCCC and pursue her dream.
Last spring, Lizbeth Ochoa from Santa Fe South High School was awarded the Women of the South Scholarship through OCCF, which she used to attend OCCC and pursue her dreams of becoming an immigration attorney. Working part-time and helping her family with childcare, Ochoa appreciates how OCCC offers flexibility and support to students who work while attending college.
Both Lizbeth and Garrett’s journeys, alongside the efforts of OCCF and OCCC, illustrate the power of determination, community, and education in shaping a brighter future for individuals and families alike.
Expanding educational pathways and the resources to pursue them can contribute significantly to reaching our community’s hopes for a successful, growing economy. By embracing diverse educational models and fostering strong community support, we can create a more responsive educational system that serves all students and meets evolving workforce demands.
This shift doesn’t diminish the value of bachelor’s degrees; rather, it suggests a diversification of educational and career paths.
