Who we are

The Sooner Job ChalleNGe Program is an optional next step for graduates of the Thunderbird Challenge Program. At Sooner Job ChalleNGe, Thunderbird graduates will build upon the life and leadership skills they have already begun to develop, while having the opportunity to further their success through career readiness and vocational training at Metro Tech.
 


Who can apply

Sooner Job ChalleNGe applicants must be:
  • A graduate of the Thunderbird Challenge Program
  • Ages 16.5-20 years old*
  • High school graduate, or on track to earn high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma (GED® or HiSET®) by the end of the program
  • Oklahoma resident and a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States
  • No felony convictions or pending felony charges**
  • Free of illegal drug use

*Graduates of the Thunderbird Challenge Program between the ages of 16.5 and 20 years old. Sixteen-year-old applicants may apply only if they will turn 17 during the program. A 20-year-old applicant may apply only if they will not turn 21 before the cycle start date.

**Applicants must not be under indictment, or ever convicted of a felony (or any crime that would be considered to be a felony if perpetrated by an adult), and must not currently be on parole or probation for other than juvenile status offenses or misdemeanors. 
 



Interest Form

Cycle 2 begins in July

Applications will open later this spring!
Please fill out our interest form to receive
updates when applications open.


Questions?

Call (405) 900-4525, ext. 1
 

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Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
 

Address

Sooner Job ChalleNGe
6500 N. Kelley Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
 

Program Overview

Sooner Job ChalleNGe is a new opportunity for Oklahoma’s youth to connect with high-demand industries, while building a stronger future for themselves and our state. The optional 10-22 week residential program, located in Oklahoma City, is only available to Thunderbird Challenge Program graduates and is FREE of cost to participants and their families, except for a basic packing list.
 
Cycle 2 will begin in July 2025 with 70 spots available. If you are interested in Cycle 2, please fill out our pre-app Interest Form using the link above, and we will notify you when Cycle 2 dates are finalized and applications are open.
 
Program participants are called “Associates” instead of “Cadets.” Associates will continue to strengthen the self-discipline, leadership, and teamwork skills you began to develop as Cadets through the quasi-military structure provided at Job ChalleNGe, with exceptions made as needed to fit your vocation-specific schedules and post-residential employment goals. SJC is guided by our Eight Core Components, and Associates will continue to strengthen and gain skills in each of the following areas: Job Skills, Academic Achievement, Community Building & Outreach, Fitness for Life, Resiliency & Life Skills, Leadership & Followership at Work, Citizenship, and Healthy Living.

Associates will each have your own bedroom and bathroom, share common areas, meals, and recreation activities with other associates, and travel off campus Monday – Thursday to attend classes at Metro Tech. The following components will make up the associate’s schedule:
 
  • Completion of high school diploma, GED® or HiSET® *Unless associate has already earned a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma.
  • Vocational Pathway Courses at Metro Tech *Cycle 1 Associates are currently completing courses in Structural Welding, Culinary Arts, or IT & Cybersecurity. Course offerings may remain the same, but are subject to change each cycle.
  • Eight Core Components activities, training, and mentoring
  • Physical Fitness Training
  • Community Service
  • Recreational activities and trips
  • Graduate Action Plan (GAP): Our Placement Team will work alongside Associates to connect you with career mentors and help you form a plan for your post-residential year. This plan could include employment or further education. Our team will check in with graduates during your post-residential year to track your progress and offer continual assistance and resources in meeting the goals set in your GAP.
 


Career Pathways

Sooner Job ChalleNGe has partnered with Metro Tech to offer Cycle 1 Associates hands-on training in welding, culinary arts, and information technology & cybersecurity. Course offerings are subject to change each cycle, with potentially more career pathways opening as the program grows.
 

Welding
This course provides students with essential skills for entry-level welding careers. Through rigorous training, students will learn safety protocols, welding theory, equipment operation, and practical techniques in MIG and Stick welding.

Certifications Available: Welding Certification Level 1, OSHA 1 0-Hour Construction

Culinary
This course builds essential skills through training in culinary techniques, including garde manger, baking principles, nutrition, and international cuisine.Textbooks, uniforms, equipment, and shoes are provided.

Certifications Available: Culinary Arts Certification Level 1, ServSafe Food Handler, ServeSafe Allergen, ServeSafe Alcohol, ServeSafe Manager

Information Technology & Cybersecurity
This course is designed for individuals who have basic computer user skills and who are interested in obtaining a professional-level certification that can lead to a role in technical support and IT operations.

This course covers a wide range of topics, including hardware and network troubleshooting, operating systems, mobile device support, virtualization, cloud computing and security.

Curriculum and two exams are provided: CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 Certification Exam and CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1102 Certification Exam (practice exam, exam, and one retake provided for each exam).

Certifications Available: Certification Level, CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 Certification, and CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1102 Certification