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For about a 1% investment of the Federal budget, the State Department yields a large return for the American people by advancing U.S. national security, promoting our economic interests, providing services, and reaffirming our country’s exceptional role in the world. Read on to learn how the work of the Department benefits this state’s residents.

Oklahoma

• Jobs and Diplomacy

  • In partnership with agencies across the federal government, the Department of State advances U.S. trade policy objectives by opening new export and job opportunities for American businesses and workers through trade initiatives. In Oklahoma, approximately 36,000 U.S. jobs were supported by goods exports (2014) and foreign direct investment supported about 46,000 U.S. jobs (2013). This resulted in $5.3 billion in goods exports from Oklahoma (2015). (EB) More»

  • The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) contributed more than $10 million to the Oklahoma economy through contracts and federal grants that directly supported INL missions. (INL) More»

  • The Department supports the SelectUSA initiative, which facilitated ASCO Industries, a Belgian company’s $73 million investment in Oklahoma which created 380 new jobs. SelectUSA is a President Obama initiative that promotes and facilitates investment in the United States as an engine for job growth and economic development. (EB) More»

  • Oklahoma hosted foreign physicians, teachers, camp counselors, au pairs and others as part of work and study-based international exchange visitor programs. (ECA) More»

  • Three partnership plans were created under the Small Business Network of the Americas International Sister Center Program with Brazil, Chile, and El Salvador. (WHA) More»

  • Click here for more information about Department career recruitment events in Oklahoma. (HR)

• Education

  • 19 Scholars and Students from Oklahoma were awarded Fulbright Scholarships. (ECA) More»

  • Diplomat-in-Residence (Robert Andrew): Diplomats in Residence (DIRs) are career Foreign Service Officers located throughout the U.S. who provide guidance and advice to students, professionals and the community about Department careers. (HR) More»

  • 291 exchange visitors from overseas visited Oklahoma and 160 Oklahoma residents travelled overseas as part of the Department’s educational and cultural exchange funded programs. (ECA) More»

  • The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) partnered with the University of Oklahoma through the Department of State’s Diplomacy Lab research program. The University of Oklahoma provided a research project to INL on corruption, port security, and trade traffic. (INL) More»

  • 60 Brazilian students attended the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa through the Brazil Scientific Mobility Program. This program is funded by the Brazilian government and the private sector and sends 101,000 Brazilian university students of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to study and conduct research abroad. The U.S. is a priority destination for scholarship recipients, and the program strengthens U.S. and Brazilian institutional partnerships, develops a workforce prepared for 21st century opportunities, and contributes to long-term economic growth for both countries. (WHA) More»

  • The Department of State hosted an International Virtual College Fair in 2013 to celebrate International Education Week and the $29 billion international student industry in the United States. The event featured colleges and universities from across the United States and had more than 22,000 potential students from 206 countries in attendance who completed nearly 55,000 visits to the virtual university booths. The Oklahoma State University of Technology participated in the International Virtual College Fair. (IIP) More»

• Partnerships

  • The University of Oklahoma is a participating school and serves as secretariat for the Diplomacy Lab partnership led by the Secretary’s Office of Global Partnerships. Diplomacy Lab is a public-private partnership that enables the State Department to "course-source" research and innovation related to foreign policy challenges by harnessing the efforts of students and faculty experts at universities across the country. Learn more about Diplomacy Lab here. (S/GP)

  • An event was held in Norman by the University of Oklahoma during the annual Global Partnerships Week celebration in March, organized by the Secretary’s Office of Global Partnerships. GPW recognizes the critical role public-private partnerships play in promoting diplomacy and development worldwide and inspires public and private organizations everywhere through self-organized local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as shared value collaborators. GPW 2015 boasted over 20 events worldwide; learn more here. (S/GP)

  • Refugee Arrivals in 2015: 548. The Department works with nine domestic nongovernmental organizations, which place refugees in over 300 affiliated offices in roughly 180 communities around the country. These local offices work closely with community partners, congregations, volunteers, and state and local officials to provide a successful start for refugees rebuilding their lives. Refugee communities have historically enhanced the economic dynamism and cultural vitality of our nation. Refugees contribute to the United States in numerous ways, including by starting businesses and joining the U.S. military. (PRM) More»

  • Oklahoma hosted 70 students from allied and friendly nations for International Military Education and Training. (PM) More»

  • Refugee Arrivals: 300. The Department works with nine domestic nongovernmental organizations, which have 350 affiliated offices, to place refugees in over 180 communities in all 50 states. These offices work with communities, local volunteers and elected officials to provide a successful start for refugees rebuilding their lives. (PRM) More»

  • The Department facilitates the Oklahoma National Guard State Partnership Program with Azerbaijan founded in 2002. (PM) More»

• Travel and Security

  • Total Passports Issued in Fiscal Year 2015: 107,229. (CA) More»

  • 83 Passport Application Acceptance Facilities. (CA) More»

  • Number of overseas adoptions for Oklahoma families in Fiscal Year 2014: 59. The Office of Children's Issues plays an active role in the intercountry adoption process. Its work is dedicated to assisting parents as they seek to provide a home to orphans abroad. (CA) More»

  • Diplomatic Security Houston Field Office serves Oklahoma: Diplomatic Security has offices throughout the United States staffed with special agents and contract investigators, who conduct criminal, counterterrorism and background investigations. Agents assigned to field and resident offices assist in providing support to the protection of the Secretary of State, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and visiting foreign dignitaries. Liaison with federal and local law enforcement, foreign mission personnel, local officials, and the private sector complements their major responsibilities. (DS) More»