OKC to host 2025 NobleReach Scholars

Oklahoma City will welcome three members of the 2025 NobleReach Scholars class for yearlong placements focused on data science and business process innovation. The scholars will work with the city’s Office of Innovation and Department of Information Technology. 

NobleReach, based near Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit that helps government agencies find technical talent and supports innovation in national security. The foundation announced the 2025 NobleReach Scholar placements as part of its national program that places recent graduates and early-career professionals in public service technology roles. 

“Oklahoma City has been working to use advanced technology to streamline government processes and help our teams to work faster and better for our residents, and we're already seeing amazing results,” said Dr. Kelly Williams, OKC’s chief innovation officer. “Positioning ourselves to make the most of technology into the future means ensuring we have the right people in place to implement it.” 

The 2025 cohort includes 28 participants placed across 15 public agencies and five industry partners. Participants were selected from a pool of more than 1,200 applicants representing over 100 universities nationwide. 

Across the country, NobleReach Scholars will work in four focus areas: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, business process innovation and materials manufacturing. OKC’s scholars will support projects that aim to improve internal systems and data use across city departments. 

“The depth and dedication of our applicant pool shows that young people continue to be extremely interested in public service,” said NobleReach CEO Arun Gupta. “We’re in a moment when all levels of government are refreshing traditional ways of managing their workforces to better fit the demands of today’s mission, and we must be ready with a pipeline of top mission-oriented talent to meet that need.” 

In addition to their full-time roles, Scholars receive a pre-placement stipend for relocation, attend a program orientation and join regular workshops throughout the year. Each participant is matched with a mentor from either the public or private sector. 

“The challenges we face can only be solved with the full participation of all our national assets, across sectors, disciplines and localities,” said Lisa Disbrow, NobleReach board chair. “The NobleReach Scholars program ensures tomorrow's leaders have the opportunity to learn the importance of public service to our national security and help strengthen collaboration between the public and private sector wherever their careers take them.” 

Applications for the 2026 cohort open in the fall.