The University of Oklahoma has received a $250,000 gift from Google, a leading technology employer in northeastern Oklahoma, to support the creation of the OU Polytechnic Institute, a new school in Tulsa with bachelor’s completion and graduate degree programs focused on innovation and advanced technology.
The OU Polytechnic Institute will serve as a workforce solution for Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma and align OU’s educational and research capabilities with the needs and opportunities of the region’s growing and dynamic economy. The school will offer innovative programs to fill vital, high-paying jobs in areas like telehealth, autonomous technology, electric vehicles, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and software engineering.
“Google has been a leader in making northeastern Oklahoma a hub for growth and advancement, and their support of the OU Polytechnic Institute exemplifies their dedication to our entire state,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “The funds Google has designated toward the OU Polytechnic Institute will be instrumental in our efforts to recruit exemplary faculty and leadership, as well as a talented cohort of students. We are incredibly grateful for their continued investment in the future of Oklahoma.”
With a history of driving industry in Oklahoma, Google has created jobs for more than 800 Oklahomans and awarded more than $3 million in grants to Oklahoma nonprofits and schools to expand technology education. This gift is part of Google’s ongoing commitment to support economic development in Oklahoma.
“Google is eager to continue investing in Oklahoma’s innovative education and workforce programs,” said Andrew Silvestri, Google’s head of community development in Oklahoma. “The OU Polytechnic Institute will provide tremendous opportunities for northeast Oklahoma students and strengthen our state’s workforce in STEM careers. We’re grateful for partners like the University of Oklahoma for their forward-thinking leadership as we prepare for the talent needs of tomorrow.”
The OU Polytechnic Institute’s cutting-edge curriculum – developed with industry partners – will focus on applied knowledge, quickly making the region a hub for growth and new jobs.
“Google is playing a critical economic role in northeastern Oklahoma not only as a leading employer in Pryor but also as a financial supporter of the new University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute on the OU-Tulsa campus,” said Markwayne Mullin, U.S. representative of Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District. “The OU Polytechnic Institute will offer new higher education degrees in technology, computer science, and software engineering. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact Google will have on the technology workforce, and I am grateful for their investment in our students.”
Partners for the OU Polytechnic Institute include Tulsa Innovation Labs, OU’s Office of Innovation and Corporate Partnerships, the OU Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth and others, along with philanthropic partners such as the George Kaiser Family Foundation.
“As drivers of talent and innovation, local universities must anchor Tulsa’s tech economy,” said Nicholas Lalla, co-founder and managing director of Tulsa Innovation Labs. “With OU’s new Polytechnic Institute and their partnership with Google, Tulsa is making tremendous strides to establish a thriving and inclusive tech hub. The institute’s new degree programs, built in collaboration with industry, will position Tulsa well in the years to come.”
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