ADA, OK - The Oklahoma Association for Technology Centers recognized top industry partners for training and employing thousands of Oklahoma workers through CareerTech technology center programs at the annual Partners in Progress awards ceremony.
Pontotoc Technology Center (PTC) selected the Pontotoc County District Attorney Office for District 11 because our partnership stands as a powerful example of how education and the justice system can work together to change lives. District 22 serves Hughes, Seminole, and Pontotoc counties, and through this collaboration, both organizations have demonstrated a shared commitment to rehabilitation, workforce development, and long-term community success.
This partnership is strengthened by the leadership and vision of District Attorney Erik Johnson, who served as a board member for Pontotoc Technology Center prior to running for office. His firsthand knowledge of the value PTC provides has translated into strong advocacy for technical education and skill-based training throughout the District 22 office. As a result, the entire District Attorney’s office has been a consistent supporter of programs that help individuals gain practical skills, rebuild confidence, and create sustainable futures.
District 22 has actively utilized PTC’s services to assist many patrons who are seeking a second chance. By connecting individuals involved in court-mandated programs with meaningful training opportunities, this partnership has helped participants improve their lives while restoring hope and purpose. One of the most impactful collaborations is through PTC’s Work Ready Oklahoma program, which is housed on the Pontotoc Technology Center campus.
Qualified participants in the final stages of Drug Court, a court-mandated recovery program, are required by District 22 to attend the Work Ready Oklahoma workshop. This program focuses on workplace readiness, soft skills, and employability training that prepares participants for success. Through the combined efforts of PTC and District 22, more than 50 participants have been served in 2025, receiving upskilling, training, and guidance designed to help them transition successfully into the workforce.
Beyond training, this partnership has created tangible outcomes. Participants have been given job opportunities and placements, often reaching individuals who need support the most. Together, Pontotoc Technology Center and the District 22 District Attorney’s Office continue to demonstrate that when education, accountability, and opportunity align, lives can be transformed and communities strengthened.