PCDA and Ponca City Public Schools have worked together for more than 15 years to link classrooms with the workforce. It started with career awareness, guest speakers, and introductions to employers, then expanded across the district and beyond. For 12 years, the Wildcat Internship Program has given real-world experience, earned national recognition, and drawn interest from a Harvard study on rural workforce success.

That approach shows up through a Career Fair at Ponca City High School and Senior Career Day at City Central, where seniors meet employers and community leaders. PCDA also works with PCPS at district and legislative levels to align programs with employer needs, building connections that help students see careers here and grow into tomorrow’s workforce.