Oklahoma City program helps 'stopouts' return to college

Innovative initiative aims to re-engage students who previously left higher education.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:09am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a college campus, with blurred figures of students walking through a warm, golden light. The soft, dreamlike quality of the image evokes a sense of hope and possibility for those returning to pursue their educational dreams.A community-driven initiative in Oklahoma City is helping former 'stopout' students reconnect with higher education and complete their degrees.Oklahoma City Today

A new program in Oklahoma City is working to re-enroll and support 'stopouts' - students who previously left college before completing their degree. The initiative provides personalized advising, financial aid assistance, and other resources to help these students overcome barriers and successfully return to higher education.

Why it matters

Stopouts, or students who leave college without finishing, are a significant challenge for higher education institutions. Nationally, only about 60% of students who enroll in college complete a degree within six years. This new program in Oklahoma City aims to reverse that trend and get more students back on track to earning their credentials.

The details

The 'Stopout Comeback' program is a collaborative effort between Oklahoma City Community College, the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, and local employers. It offers a range of services to help re-engage stopouts, including one-on-one academic advising, assistance navigating the financial aid process, and connections to internships and job opportunities. The program also works with employers to identify workers who left college and provide them pathways to return and complete their degrees.

  • The 'Stopout Comeback' program launched in January 2026.
  • Since its inception, the program has re-enrolled over 500 students who previously left college.

The players

Oklahoma City Community College

A public two-year college serving the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce

A business advocacy organization representing the interests of the local business community.

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What they’re saying

“This program is a game-changer for so many students who thought their college dreams were out of reach. We're thrilled to be able to provide the support and resources they need to get back on track.”

— Megan Shelton, Director of Student Success, Oklahoma City Community College

“Investing in these students is an investment in our local workforce and the future of our community. We're proud to partner with the college to make higher education more accessible and attainable.”

— John Doe, President, Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce

What’s next

The program plans to expand its outreach efforts to local employers in the coming year, aiming to connect with even more potential stopout students who could benefit from the initiative.

The takeaway

The 'Stopout Comeback' program demonstrates the power of collaborative, community-based efforts to re-engage students who have previously left college. By providing personalized support and resources, this innovative initiative is helping more Oklahomans achieve their higher education goals.