Shaping the Future in 3D: EOC Tech Instructor Chosen for Exclusive STEM Fellowship Teacher Program

Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center’s 3D Design and Modeling Instructor Richard Boyd, was one of 15 teachers selected throughout the state for American Fidelity’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Summer Fellowship Program where participants attend a combination of in-person and remote sessions throughout the duration of the program (June, 2 – July 25, 2025) and in the process, gain experience and understanding of the corporate world which allows them to help their students better prepare for their careers in Information Technology during the school year.

“Those selected for the program are able to build a valuable network of other STEM Instructors, as well as those who are currently working in other corporate IT roles. The selected candidates earn a corporate IT salary for their time worked and will each receive a $2,000 stipend for their classrooms, upon completing the program.”
(https://americanfidelity.com/about-us/af-teacher-fellowship/, 2025)

Boyd applied to be a part of the program back in 2020, but was not able to participate like he planned, so he reapplied this year when applications opened.

“The application process was an online application with a round of interviews with team members who will be ‘mentors’ for the various divisions of the IT Department,” he said. “The program will expose me to all the various divisions of the IT Department and open doors that I could use to get my students hired on after completing EOC Tech.”

At EOC Tech, students are encouraged to be “lifelong learners,” a quality that can provide growth and credibility throughout their career experience. Boyd naturally embodies this mindset, providing an example for his students to strive after.

“I am always looking for ways to improve myself and gain knowledge in areas that I am unfamiliar with,” Boyd said. “Being able to see all the job possibilities for my students within a company structure that is local and with nationwide offices, will help with potential placement opportunities in the future.”

Boyd will also have the chance to interact with American Fidelity IT Professionals and Headquarters staff, broadening his understanding of the corporate world.

“This fellowship will afford me the opportunity to network with other STEM teachers around Oklahoma,” he said. “I am looking forward to meeting educators and American Fidelity staff that have a passion for fostering student success in the STEM fields.”