Gordon Cooper Technology Center, located in Shawnee, Oklahoma, is a premier institution dedicated to providing career and technical education. Established in honor of astronaut Gordon Cooper, the center is known for its commitment to empowering students through hands-on learning experiences and state-of-the-art facilities. The center offers a wide range of programs, including automotive technology, health sciences, and information technology, catering to the needs of both students and local industries. The curriculum is designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge, ensuring they are workforce-ready upon graduation.

The center emphasizes a collaborative and supportive learning environment, fostering a strong sense of community among students and faculty. With skilled instructors who bring real-world experience into the classroom, students benefit from personalized attention and guidance. Additionally, Gordon Cooper Technology Center maintains strong partnerships with local businesses, enhancing job placement opportunities for graduates and contributing to the economic development of the region. Its focus on innovation and technology ensures that students are not only prepared for existing jobs but also for the future of work in a rapidly evolving job market. Overall, Gordon Cooper Technology Center stands out as a vital educational resource for the community, shaping the next generation of skilled professionals.

Trends in Student Enrollment, Graduation Rates, and Retention

The data from Gordon Cooper Technology Center reveals significant trends in student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention over the years, particularly from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the undergraduate enrollment fluctuated throughout this period, peaking at 934 students in 2023, which contrasts with the lowest point of 754 students in 2018. This increase in enrollment suggests a possible resurgence in interest or improvements in the center's offerings.

In terms of graduation rates, there was a concerning decline in the timely graduation rate, which dropped dramatically to 41.5% in 2021, followed by a slight recovery to 65.4% in 2023. This stark drop indicates potential challenges faced by students during that time, perhaps exacerbated by external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted educational systems globally. The 150% graduation rate also reflects this trend, showing a significant dip in the same period.

Retention rates have also shown a downward trajectory, decreasing from about 98% in 2013 to approximately 78.5% in 2023. This trend warrants attention as it reflects students' satisfaction and the institution's ability to support them throughout their studies. The decline in retention could be linked to various factors, including academic challenges, lack of resources, or social factors affecting student well-being.

Additionally, the student-to-faculty ratio has decreased from 18 to 11, indicating a higher level of faculty support per student, which could potentially enhance educational outcomes. However, the relationship between this decrease and the retention and graduation rates remains to be fully understood.

This analysis underscores the importance of addressing the factors influencing student success at Gordon Cooper Technology Center, especially in light of the fluctuating enrollment and declining graduation and retention rates.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Gordon Cooper Technology Center in 2023

The student demographic data from Gordon Cooper Technology Center for the year 2023 reveals insightful trends regarding the composition of its student body. The total enrollment comprises various categories, including new undergraduates, continuing undergraduates, and graduate students, highlighting a diverse academic environment.

New undergraduates account for 161 students, with a notable male representation of 71.4% and females at 28.6%. This significant male dominance may reflect broader trends in certain STEM fields, where male enrollment often exceeds female. Continuing undergraduates, totaling 109, similarly display a high male ratio of 75.2% compared to 24.8% female students. This persistent gender disparity raises important questions about recruitment and retention strategies for female students in technical disciplines.

The largest group, classified as continuing students, totals 664 individuals, with a more balanced gender distribution of 55.6% male and 44.4% female. This shift towards a slightly more equitable ratio may suggest that retention efforts are successfully engaging female students as they progress in their studies.

Moreover, the breakdown of students by ethnicity reveals a predominance of white students, particularly among undergraduates. This demographic trend is consistent with national statistics, which often indicate that white students typically represent the largest ethnic group in many higher education institutions. However, the presence of students from various ethnic backgrounds is crucial for fostering an inclusive academic community.

Overall, the data suggests the need for continued efforts to improve gender balance and support diverse ethnic representation within the student body at Gordon Cooper Technology Center. Addressing these disparities can enhance the educational experience and prepare students for a diverse workforce.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Gordon Cooper Technology Center

The age distribution of students at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center in 2023 reveals a significant trend toward younger demographics, particularly among undergraduate male and female students. The data indicates that the majority of students are under 18 and within the 18-19 age bracket, comprising 66.6% of the total male students and 60.5% of the total female students. This marks a strong inclination toward younger learners, which aligns with national trends in higher education where younger students are increasingly enrolling in technical programs.

Interestingly, as age increases, there is a stark decline in student numbers. For instance, the number of students aged 25-29 drops to 17 males and 8 females, representing only about 5.1% of total male students and 6.3% of total female students. This suggests that as students age, fewer are opting to pursue studies at the center, possibly due to career commitments or shifting educational priorities.

Moreover, the data shows that there are no graduate male students enrolled, indicating a potential gap in the availability of graduate programs or a lack of interest in further studies among the male demographic. In contrast, female graduate students are also absent, reinforcing the need for the institution to focus on attracting and retaining graduate-level students.

Overall, these statistics highlight the necessity for educational institutions to adapt their offerings and support systems to cater to a younger student population while also addressing the underrepresentation of graduate students. This could involve developing targeted programs that attract older students or enhancing career services to support those who are already in the workforce.

Comment on International Student Data Trends

The landscape of international education continues to evolve, reflecting broader global trends and economic conditions. Although specific data from the Gordon Cooper Technology Center is currently unavailable, the significance of international students in higher education cannot be overstated. Typically, international students make substantial contributions to the academic environment and local economies.

In recent years, many institutions have reported increasing percentages of international students, particularly at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This shift is often influenced by factors such as globalization, the pursuit of high-quality education, and the desire for diverse cultural experiences. Countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia remain popular destinations due to their renowned academic programs and welcoming policies for international students.

Moreover, the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical dynamics have also played a role in shaping enrollment trends. Institutions are adapting by offering flexible learning options and enhancing support services for international students, which can help maintain or even increase their numbers.

As we look forward, it will be crucial for educational institutions to continue fostering inclusive environments that cater to the needs of international students. Doing so not only enriches the academic community but also prepares all students for a globalized world, enhancing intercultural understanding and collaboration.

Here are some notable universities around the Gordon Cooper Technology Center:

1. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus - Ranked 124 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of programs and is known for its research initiatives.

2. Oklahoma State University-Main Campus - With a rank of 185, OSU is a well-respected institution that provides diverse academic opportunities and is particularly strong in agriculture and engineering.

3. University of Tulsa - Ranked 195, this private university is known for its small class sizes and strong focus on undergraduate education, particularly in the fields of law and business.

4. The University of Texas at Dallas - This university is ranked 115 and is recognized for its strong engineering, business, and computer science programs.

5. Southern Methodist University - With a rank of 89, SMU is a prestigious private research university known for its programs in business, law, and the arts.

6. Texas A & M University-College Station - Ranked 47, Texas A&M is one of the largest universities in the U.S. and is renowned for its engineering, business, and agricultural programs.

These institutions provide a wealth of educational opportunities and are key players in the higher education landscape of the region.

Analysis of Crime Data at Gordon Cooper Technology Center

The crime data from the Gordon Cooper Technology Center presents an interesting trend over the years. The data indicates a significant drop in the average number of recorded offenses per 1,000 students, especially noted from 2020 to 2023, where the crime rate is reported at zero. This could suggest effective measures taken by the institution to enhance campus safety or a possible shift in reporting practices.

In 2013, the rate was as high as 14.82, primarily driven by gun arrests. However, the subsequent years show fluctuations with a remarkable decline post-2019. The highest recorded offenses were related to gun arrests and drug-related incidents. The decline in these offenses can contribute to a more positive campus environment, potentially improving student well-being and academic performance.

The absence of reported crimes in recent years could also be reflective of broader societal changes, possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on campus populations and activities. The reduction in crime rates aligns with national trends as many educational institutions have reported lower crime rates during the pandemic.

Overall, while the data shows improvements in crime rates, ongoing vigilance and preventive measures are crucial to maintaining these positive trends. The community's commitment to safety and awareness will be essential in fostering a secure educational environment, ensuring students can focus on their studies without the concern of crime. For more insights on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.