Cultural diversity is more than a buzz word. Oklahoma has always been a diverse state with ethnic populations of Native Americans, African Americans, European Americans, and Latinos, the latter of whom are a growing presence in urban areas and the state's southern sections. Moreover, members of each group do not share all the same values and cultures. OCES faculty and staff need to look at these differences, understand them, and become more comfortable in reaching audiences different from themselves.
Diversity is more than ethnic origin.
It is also age, class, gender, physical and mental ability, race, sexual orientation, spiritual practice, and other differences. The OCES faculty and staff need to be motivated and have the tools to be more confident in working with culturally different persons. Performance appraisals reflect the importance of reaching new audiences. Staff who are not effective in targeting new clients need support and information about working with diverse groups to achieve that goal. Funding Funding from three sources made the program possible.