Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in SJC? Find answers to all your questions here!
Eligibility & Application Process
Who can attend Sooner Job ChalleNGe?
We are a follow-on program for eligible graduates of the Thunderbird Challenge Program. You can find out if you are eligible here. Not a graduate of Thunderbird? Find out how you can become one.
How old must I be to qualify for the program?
16.5-20 years old (16-year-old applicants must turn 17 during the residential phase, which can vary depending on the length of their specific career pathway. 20-year-old applicants must not turn 21 before the cycle start date.) If you are a current Thunderbird Cadet who is too young to apply for the SJC cycle immediately following your Thunderbird graduation, you are encouraged to apply for a future cycle.
Where is Sooner Job ChalleNGe located?
SJC is located at 6500 N. Kelley Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73111. Thunderbird graduates interested in applying to SJC must be able to arrange transportation to and from Oklahoma City during the cycle. Associates over the age of 18 with a driver license can drive themselves and park their car on campus.
I no longer live in Oklahoma, but I am a Thunderbird Graduate. Can I still apply for SJC?
As a program that is partially state-funded, SJC cannot accept applicants who are no longer residents of Oklahoma. In the future, our program’s territory may expand to allow applicants from surrounding states, but at this time funding for this option has not been established. There are currently nine other Job ChalleNGe programs across the nation. You can find out if there is one in your state here.
Is there a cost to attend SJC?
The only cost is the basic packing list. All other program costs (housing, meals, Metro Tech tuition, equipment, activities and extra classes and certifications) are covered by state and federal funding, making the program free for participants and their families.
Do I need a high school diploma to apply?
No, we accept both high school students and graduates, but applicants who have earned their high school diploma, GED, or HiSET are given first priority. Applicants who have not earned a high school or a high school equivalency diploma should be on track to finish by the end of the cycle they are applying for.
When will I know if I am accepted?
Interviews begin 1-2 months after applications open, and applicant selections are made on a rolling basis until spots are filled for the next cycle. Once you have completed your interview, you should hear from us within 3 weeks on whether you are accepted, waitlisted, or ineligible.
What factors are considered when selecting applicants?
Many factors are considered, including age, maturity level, personal motivation, number of high school credits, number of GED/HiSET tests passed, and your achievements or behavior records from Thunderbird. Program acceptance is not “first come, first serve.”
What does it mean if I am put on the Waitlist?
If you are waitlisted, it means we are holding spots open for more qualified applicants, but you may still be accepted if spots are not filled. We give priority to applicants who are over 18, have completed their high school education, are within a semester of completing their high school education, GED, or HiSET, or have an exemplary behavior record from Thunderbird.
Can I reapply if I am not selected for the next cycle?
Yes, as long as you meet our eligibility requirements and have not been told you are disqualified from applying for the program. We have a limited number of spots each cycle and applicants are encouraged to reapply for the next cycle.
Residential Phase
How long is the program?
The Residential Phase lasts 10-22 weeks, dependent on Associate progress and the Metro Tech pathway each Associate is enrolled in. Once an Associate has completed both high school, Metro Tech education and certification, and found post-residential placement in a job or another education program, they are eligible to graduate from the program. The Post-Residential "GAP" Phase lasts one year following completion of the Residential Phase.
How many home passes are there?
The number of home passes depends on the time of year and how many weeks an Associate is in the program. Home passes are typically scheduled once a month or align with certain holidays. Most passes are scheduled over a weekend, except for Spring Break and Thanksgiving, which are typically 5-9 days. Additional passes may be scheduled later in the cycle to accommodate job seeking, interviews, or college visits.
Can I bring my car?
Yes, only if you are over 18. You must provide your license and proof of insurance. Your vehicle will be parked on campus and will only be available to you during passes. SJC is not responsible for Associate vehicles.
Can I bring my phones?
Yes, Associates can bring their phones, but phones will not be available at all times. When not in use, phones are kept in individual phone lockers. Phone usage is determined by staff discretion based on need, time available, and Associate progress and professionalism. SJC is not responsible for Associate phones.
Will I be in uniform?
Throughout the week, Associates dress in uniforms provided by SJC, or in clothing and protective gear required for their specific pathway at Metro Tech. Associates may be allowed to bring and wear their own clothing during weekends as an earned privilege later in the cycle, which is up to staff discretion.
Will I live on campus in open barracks?
Associates live on campus in Oklahoma City. Each Associate has their own bedroom, bathroom, and closet.
Can I use medical marijuana or tobacco?
No, Sooner Job ChalleNGe is a substance free campus and program, which applies to minor and adult Associates. This includes all forms of marijuana, tobacco, alcohol, and illegal substances.
Will I be drug tested?
Yes. Random drug tests are performed after each homepass. The first homepass typically occurs a month into the cycle.
Do I get to choose whether I take high school classes, or study for a GED/HiSET?
The decision is ultimately made by the Education Team. If an Associate is not on track to earn their high school diploma by the end of the program, at some point they are transferred to the HiSET track.
Will I be guaranteed my first career pathway choice?
No, but we always try to place each Associate in their first pathway choice. Associates may be placed in their second or third choice based on class sizes and available spots.
Can I switch career pathways during the cycle?
This is dependent on Metro Tech’s policies and spots available in each course. If a switch is approved, it will only be possible within the first week of classes.
Post-Residential Phase / Graduation Action Plan
What happens if I finish the program, but don't earn my high school diploma/GED/HiSET by the end of the program?
You will be considered “Completed,” but you won’t qualify as a Sooner Job Challenge “Graduate.” If you graduate or earn a GED/HiSET within the post-residential year, your status can be updated from “Completed” to “Graduate.”
What does the Post-Residential Phase look like?
Staff and mentors will follow-up with you for a year following your completion of the program. We are here to support you and provide resources as you work towards the goals you set in your Graduation Action Plan.
Are graduates obligated to join the military?
No, graduates are not obligated to join the military. Associates will have the opportunity to meet with recruiters from any branch during the cycle.
What if I don’t want to immediately seek employment related to my Metro Tech pathway?
Our staff will help you create a Graduate Action Plan specific to your goals. We can assist you in finding another job, enrolling in another program/school, or enlisting in the military.
Am I guaranteed a job once I graduate from the program?
Placement in a job or education program is the goal, but not guaranteed. Placement is ultimately dependent on your motivation, preparation, and professionalism, but we are here to support you and provide you with the tools and skills you need to improve your resume and interview skills.