Tri County Tech Medicine & Biosciences Program Wins 2026 Dream Bigger Grant for 3D Printing Project
BARTLESVILLE, OK — Tri County Tech has received a $2,500 STEM grant from Sparklight through its annual “Dream Bigger" social media campaign, supporting innovative science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education opportunities for K–12 students.
The funding will be used to purchase a 3D printer and filament to enhance hands-on biomedical design, prototyping, and innovation within Tri County Tech's Medicine and Biosciences program.
"Tri County Tech is thrilled to receive a Sparklight Dream Bigger grant. This investment directly supports our mission to provide biomedical students with high-level, hands-on learning opportunities and the tools they need to become the next generation of healthcare innovators."
— Dr. Tammie Strobel | Superintendent & CEO of Tri County Tech
With the addition of 3D printing capabilities, students will gain practical experience designing and developing solutions that mirror real-world healthcare applications. The project reflects Tri County Tech's commitment to innovative, career-focused education that prepares students for a skilled tomorrow.
For Sparklight, the impact of programs like this extends beyond the classroom. "Tri County Tech Medicine and Biosciences program is giving aspiring medical students access to critical technology and real-world applications. We're proud to support opportunities that help prepare students for future careers in healthcare," shares Kenny Walker, Sparklight Senior Regional Director, South Central.
Tri County Tech continues to invest in programs that prepare students for success in high-demand fields. The Medicine & Biosciences program offers a strong foundation for careers in healthcare, combining classroom instruction with practical, real-world experience.
For more information about FREE High School programs at Tri County Tech, click here.
About Tri County Tech
We're one of Oklahoma's first CareerTech schools and have a steadfast spirit of innovation and improvement, driving economic development since 1967. Our devotion to each other, our students, and the life-changing learning we provide fuels our pursuit of excellence. We call this the "Tri County Way." We have locations in Bartlesville, Pawhuska, and Nowata, Oklahoma.
About Oklahoma CareerTech
Oklahoma CareerTech is often used as a model for programs across the United States and around the world. The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 63 campuses, 394 PK-12 school districts, and 20 Skills Center campuses, which include three juvenile facilities and 49 adult education and family literacy providers.
About Sparklight
Sparklight is a leading broadband communications provider delivering exceptional service and enabling more than 1 million residential and business customers across 24 states to thrive and stay connected to what matters most. Through Sparklight, the brand our customers know and trust, we're not just shaping the future of connectivity – we're transforming it with a commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer experience at our core.
Our robust infrastructure and cutting-edge technology don't just keep our customers connected; they help drive progress in education, business, and everyday life. We're dedicated to bridging the digital divide, empowering our communities, and fostering a more connected world. When our customers choose Sparklight, they are choosing a team that is always working for them — one that believes in the relentless pursuit of reliability, because being a trusted neighbor isn't just what we do — it's who we are.