OkACTE Honors Metro Tech, Tinker Federal Credit Union as Partners in Progress

Metro Tech and Tinker Federal Credit Union have been formally recognized by the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education (OkACTE) with the 2026 Partners and Progress Award. This award honors partnerships between CareerTech centers and local businesses across Oklahoma, celebrating collaborations that strengthen student opportunities and support workforce development statewide.

Since opening a TFCU branch on the Metro Tech Springlake Campus in 2009, the partnership has expanded to offer student internships and financial workshops, while also providing resources to Metro Tech employees and the surrounding northeast Oklahoma City community.

As TFCU’s only branch embedded within an educational institution, the Springlake Campus location serves as a unique training ground for student interns with opportunities for growth. Over the past 10 years, the branch has provided internships for more than 40 Metro Tech students.

“Our internship program allows students to gain hands-on experience while also preparing them for what comes next,” said Kenneth Smith, Springlake Branch Supervisor and Internship Coordinator. “When teller positions become available, we often look first to our interns, but even when opportunities aren’t immediately available at TFCU, we support students by helping them explore career options, refining their resumes, and providing letters of recommendation.”

For Rocky Martinez, a 2024 Metro Tech alumnus and current full-time teller at TFCU, the internship offered more than hands-on experience; it helped him develop adaptability and career readiness.

“It gave me the opportunity to practice and build the technical skills I learned from my program while gaining a better understanding of how financial services impact people’s everyday lives,” Martinez said. “The experience gave me a clearer picture of what a career in this field really looks like and opened a doorway to employment.”

In addition to workforce training, TFCU supports Metro Tech students, staff, and the surrounding community through free financial literacy workshops offered throughout the year. In 2025, TFCU conducted 16 financial wellness workshops tailored to different groups. These included two “Thriving on a Small Budget” workshops held during the federal government shutdown to support those impacted on campus, coordinated with multiple Metro Tech departments and community partners. The credit union also hosts annual fraud awareness workshops, including sessions focused on helping seniors recognize and prevent scams.

Beyond educational programming, the partnership allows all Metro Tech students and staff to qualify for TFCU membership, providing access to the credit union’s full range of not-for-profit financial services and support. Students and staff can open a savings account with a valid ID for as little as $5 and receive a $25 deposit. TFCU also provides support to students receiving financial aid, offering direct access to services at a critical point in their educational journey. Through sponsorships and engagement, TFCU also supports Metro Tech initiatives like the annual Tech Trek career exploration summer camp and the Metro Tech Foundation.

“By supporting our district through education, career opportunities, sponsorships, and financial access. This collaboration helps strengthen both our workforce and the community we serve,” said Metro Tech CEO and Superintendent Aaron Collins. “The impact is reflected in stronger career pathways for students and increased financial awareness in our community.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the partnership will continue to grow through expanded financial education workshops for Metro Tech students and community events focused on economic opportunity.

“TFCU values its longstanding partnership with Metro Tech as a core part of both organizations' work to help people and support the community,” said TFCU President Dave Willis. “The relationship extends far beyond the Metro Tech Campus branch and reflects a broader, hands-on effort to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”