How one Oklahoma company is investing in literacy, mentorship, STEM, and the arts to uplift students statewide.
Oklahoma-based Paycom, a leading provider of comprehensive, cloud-based human capital management software, is helping fund education initiatives in school districts across the state. As part of a two-year commitment to four Oklahoma public schools' foundations, the company donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to support a wide range of student needs, including school supplies, STEM education, college readiness programs and the arts.
Here's how this year's efforts are making a difference in classrooms and communities across Oklahoma.
In May 2025, Paycom presented a check for $50,000 to the Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) Foundation. The foundation, which connects community resources with student and teacher needs across the state's largest district, reported more than 91% of students are economically disadvantaged and 8.6% experienced homelessness during the 2023-2024 school year.
"Strong public schools are the best investment we can make in our future," said Kendra Horn, president and CEO of OKCPS Foundation. "We are incredibly grateful for Paycom, whose ongoing investment ensures we can provide much-needed programming and resources."
A portion of the funding will go toward classroom projects through DonorsChoose. One educator who has directly benefited is Jennifer Reyes-Garcia, a fourth-grade teacher and 2024 OKCPS Teacher of the Year. Thanks to donors like Paycom, she's brought more than 150 projects to life since 2023.
Reyes-Garcia said, "When I'm asked what public school students need, I immediately go to their basic necessities. So many of my students are truly living without the daily resources many of us take for granted."
This year's donation also helps fund OKCPS Foundation programs such as the Teacher Pipeline, which provides free education for future educators, and ReadOKC, which promotes literacy and reading engagement.
To learn more about OKCPS Foundation, visit https://www.okckids.com/.
Paycom contributed $50,000 over two years to the Edmond Public Schools Foundation for the Edmond Early College Program this April. This new initiative gives underserved students access to college-level coursework and helps them prepare for post-secondary success.
"Introducing students to college courses early can spark a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime," said Shane Hadlock, Paycom's chief client officer. "As one of the largest employers in Oklahoma, Paycom recognizes the importance of developing the next generation of innovators."
In 2023, Paycom also made a $50,000 donation to the district to address students' behavioral and mental health needs.
"The Edmond Early College Program is a powerful example of how strategic partnerships can remove barriers and create pathways to post-secondary success," said Keely Gilpin, college and career specialist for Edmond Public Schools.
The Edmond Public Schools Foundation funds programs such as student scholarships, educator awards, advocacy and district-wide innovation.
"Our partnership with Paycom supports programs that open doors for Edmond Public Schools students," said Deanna Boston, CEO of Edmond Public Schools Foundation. "Together, we're providing opportunities for students to dream bigger and achieve more while also strengthening our entire community."
Visit https://www.edmondpsf.org/give to donate to the Edmond Public Schools Foundation.
Paycom also granted $116,000 to the Millwood Enrichment Foundation to purchase new woodwind instruments for the district's transition from marching to concert band. The donation also helps expand Millwood's robotics team as well as the gifted and talented program.
"With Paycom's generous donation to the Millwood band, we will be able to provide our students with new instruments that support their learning of additional genres," said Davaro Wilson, band director for Millwood Public Schools. "Transitioning to a concert band will elevate the overall musical acumen of our students."
Cecilia Robinson-Woods, superintendent of Millwood Public Schools added, "Paycom's donation allows us to support areas of special interest that can normally be hard to finance."
This year's contribution isn't a first for Paycom - in 2023, the company donated to Millwood to help expand its marching band program.
"Performing arts is such a special way to teach students discipline and passion," said Dylan DiSalvatore, senior director of Paycom services. "We're proud to help support local arts initiatives that foster student growth and creativity."
To learn more about Millwood Enrichment Foundation, visit https://www.millwoodps.org.
In March 2025, Paycom presented a check for $50,000 to the Putnam City Schools Foundation as part of a two-year commitment to expand STEM programming and strengthen the district's Communities and Schools Together (CAST) mentorship initiative. CAST connects students with educational, emotional and urgent resources through community partnerships.
This new donation follows the company's 2023 gift of $50,000, which helped grow mentorship efforts. The latest contribution expands STEM offerings across the district, including robotics, coding and the Space Farmers Club.
"Paycom's support of mentorship and STEM education demonstrates our commitment to empowering the next generation of thinkers and innovators," said Rachael Gannon, executive vice president of product and dev at Paycom and Putnam City North High School graduate.
Linda Frantz, a STEM teacher at Northridge Elementary added, "STEM education lays the foundation for students to problem-solve by fostering creativity and curiosity. Introducing young students to science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities helps prepare them for high-demand careers."
The Putnam City Schools Foundation serves more than 19,500 students across 27 buildings in one of the state's largest school districts. Its mission is to provide programs and resources that fill funding gaps.
DiAnne Bryant, co-interim director of the foundation, said, "We want to ensure every student has access to the resources needed to succeed, but we can't do it alone. Support from community partners allows us to enrich and enhance educational opportunities."
Learn more about Putnam City Schools Foundation at www.putnamcityfoundation.org.