Muskogee, OK – Port Muskogee proudly announces the successful launch and completion of Elevate 18, a first-of-its-kind workforce initiative designed to prepare high school seniors for immediate career success. Seventeen students from Muskogee and Hilldale High Schools participated in the five-week pilot program, which blended career readiness, industry exposure, technical training, and professional development to create a direct pathway from classroom to career.
“The success of Elevate 18 demonstrates the power of community collaboration,” said Kimbra Scott, Executive Director of Port Muskogee. “By providing hands-on experiences and direct connections to local industries, we are setting our students up for success and ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of the modern workforce.”
From day one, Elevate 18 was driven by the belief that students shouldn’t have to leave their community to find opportunity. Through a dynamic schedule of interactive workshops, site visits, and hands-on training, students gained valuable exposure to industries thriving in Muskogee and the skills needed to contribute to them. The program included: OSHA-10 safety and CPR simulations, hands-on training with industry-grade equipment, work readiness sessions such as resume building, and mock interviews. Site visits to local manufacturers gave the students first-hand exposure to manufacturing environments. The final highlight of Elevate 18 was a job fair and completion ceremony, hosted at Port Muskogee’s Robinson Gallery and Event Center where students showcased their growth and connected with partners and some of the top industries hiring in Muskogee for 2025.
“Elevate 18 builds a direct bridge between classroom learning and real-world industry needs,” said Jerry Keeley, Senior HR Manager at Georgia-Pacific Muskogee Mill. “When manufacturers invest in programs like this, we’re not just building stronger teams, we’re strengthening our communities. This is workforce development done right.”
“Our partnership with Elevate 18 ensures students are learning what matters most to industry, safety, precision, and real-world application,” said Kathy Adair, Director of Business and Industry at Indian Capital Technology Center. “ICTC is proud to be part of building the future workforce.”
Elevate 18 isn’t just about employability, it’s about confidence, clarity, and connection. The students themselves were at the heart of the program. Many came into Elevate 18 uncertain about their next steps, unaware of the opportunities available right here in their hometown. Over the five weeks, they built resumes, practiced interviewing, gained knowledge and experience, and discovered new pathways for employment and future goals. Their growth, confidence and insight were a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people are given tools and support to succeed.
“Before the program, my aspirations were very narrow because I didn’t think I could afford college,” shared Aubree Sourjohn, Elevate 18 graduate. “Now I see so many more career paths open to me.” Dalton Statler-Ballentine an Elevate 18 graduate added, “This program helped me feel more prepared by showing what careers are available and how to build a strong resume.”
Crystal Delso, Workforce Development Manager at Port Muskogee said, “Elevate 18 was never about one person or one organization, it was developed from community conversations, shaped by a dedicated committee, and brought to life by partners who believed in it. Together, we’ve shown what it looks like when education, industry, and community rise together to build the future. The Elevate 18 program is a blueprint for what’s possible when we invest in young talent before they leave the classroom.
A special thank you to our sponsors and workforce partners: Oklahoma Interpak, Georgia-Pacific, ACME Engineering, Advantage Controls, H.E. Anderson Company, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Muskogee Public Schools, Hilldale Public Schools, Northeastern State University, Integrity Staffing, Vallourec, OG&E and Muskogee County Transit who contributed time, mentorship, and opportunity.
The success of Elevate 18 has sparked momentum toward an expanded program for 2026 and beyond, with increased student reach, broader industry participation, and deeper alignment with regional workforce needs. For partnership opportunities or to learn more about Elevate 18, contact: Crystal Delso, Workforce Development Manager at [email protected] or visit www.portmuskogee.com.
