Western Oklahoma State College is grateful for the long-standing relationship with Altus Air Force Base (AAFB). Since its activation as a multi-engine flight training school in 1943, the 97th Air Mobility Wing has been the cornerstone of southwestern Oklahoma. Western recently collaborated with the AAFB 97th Communications Squadron to address workforce needs in cybersecurity and information technology. The Communication Squadron is responsible for command, control, communications, computer systems, and operating and maintaining a $25 million network infrastructure and client support missions. The squadron also provides communications security functions in support of the KC-46 Pegasus, C-17 Globemaster III, and KC-135 Stratotanker.
Western became an Authorized Academy Partner with CompTIA developed a non-credit-bearing micro-credential in Security+. Both active duty and civilian students received a scholarship for the Security+ Prep Certificate class and completed the course free of charge. AAFB covered the certificate exam cost for eligible employees.
AAFB served as a partner for Western’s Workforce Readiness Summit and Career Fair. This event was designed to provide foundational sessions that help guide participants to a career path, as well as teach them best practices for interviewing and resume writing. Individuals from AAFB participated on the employer panel and provided career guidance at the Career Fair. Employers identified workforce gaps and provided insight into high-demand occupations. Digital badges were provided to participants after successful completion of the assessment.