Life Ready Center: Oklahoma’s Lawton Public Schools
The Life Ready Center (LRC) is a collaborative center that serves as an extension for Lawton Public Schools’ (LPS) three high schools and alternative programs for students in grades nine to 12. When Superintendent Kevin Hime arrived in 2019, he noticed that the high schools did not offer enough courses and there were inadequacies in the programs offered. The district was struggling to find qualified teachers to support courses such as Family and Consumer Science or Advance Placement Psychology. While one high school could provide the course, the other two high schools could not. This shortage of highly qualified teachers meant that many students were left unable to take the courses they wanted or needed.
Hime saw an opportunity to turn this negative situation into a positive one. He quickly got to work by organizing meetings, gathering feedback, and identifying the right person to lead the transformation to a center of STEM innovation and student collaborations. Thanks to these efforts, the district now boasts a thriving hub of creativity, learning, and pride for the community.
In its third year, the LRC provides accessible, high-quality, and collaborative education for LPS students. Lawton’s three high schools and nontraditional programs can directly access a variety of classes, including Advanced Placement, Future Farmers of America, and Agriculture, as well as an ever-expanding selection of introductory and advanced electives. All LPS high school students have access to these activities, enabling them to explore several career paths in one location.
The district partners with local educational organizations, including Cameron University and the Great Plains Technology Center. Through these partnerships, the LRC delivers numerous on-site programs, dual-enrollment courses, and valuable resources to students. Students are able to take advantage of dual enrollment virtually through one of the state-approved campuses to include Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, Western Oklahoma State College, and Langston University.
Students have taken advantage of the business partnerships and collaborations provided by the LRC. For example, students who have taken the floral design class are now employed at local flower shops. Business management students are running the balloon store that supports district events and community requests. Many advanced photography students are getting published in the district magazine and local newspaper.
The district also ensures that students at traditional sites face no commuting hurdles. Regular shuttle services operate every hour of the school day, transporting students to and from the LRC and their home schools seamlessly to allow for these collaborative opportunities.
Since opening the doors in August 2021, the LRC has attracted new students to the district and the site itself has seen an increase in student enrollment each year.
In 2021, 415 students enrolled with 26 course offerings. In 2022, enrollment doubled with 935 students and 52 course offerings. In 2023, enrollment has again increased with nearly 1,550 students coming and going throughout the school day and 56 course offerings.
Not only has the LRC seen new courses added, but many are at the request of students. These programs include Comanche Language I and II, Meteorology, Floral Design, Renewable Energy, Ag Mechanics, and Advanced Culinary Skills. The success of the LRC is evident in the growing population of the student enrollment and course offerings. Next year will be even bigger as community partnerships grow.
Due to its popularity within the Lawton Fort Sill community, many organizations have sponsored or donated funds to grow the capabilities of the LRC. The McMahon Foundation funded the new Ag Mechanic facility. The Lawton Public School Foundation funded the floral cooler for the Floral Design class. The Greater Lawton Rotary Club donated funds to purchase brand new tools and equipment for the Ag Mechanics students.