Oklahoma’s Next Generation of Leaders and Achievers

In 2024, 484 outstanding young Oklahomans have been selected as NextGen under 30 Award Winners in 21 career categories from 247 companies and organizations. NextGen under 30 Oklahoma recognizes individuals who demonstrate talent, drive, and service to their communities. Winners this year were from across the entire state, including Guymon to Durant to Tahlequah, in Tulsa and Oklahoma City metropolitan areas and beyond.

Nominations and Applications for NextGen Under 30 2026 will open January 20, 2026.

About NextGen Under 30

In just fifeteen years, the NextGen Under 30 program has expanded throughout Oklahoma, with 4,900 award winners selected from different companies and organizations located in cities and towns across the entire State of Oklahoma.

By the year of 2024, Millennials will make up nearly half of our workforce in Oklahoma.

Do you know any young adult OVER-ACHIEVER Oklahomans doing amazing things in Oklahoma and who are 30 years old in 2026 or younger?

The NextGen Under 30 LEADERSHIP and AWARD RECOGNITION Program was founded in 2011 and has received thousands of nominations as there are many talented young individuals living in Oklahoma.

The NextGen Under 30 mission is to identify and honor these very talented young Oklahomans, to encouraging them to follow their lifetime family and career goals in Oklahoma.

I encourage you to nominate innovative, creative-thinking, and inspiring young individuals who push the boundaries beyond their years, who are worthy of winning this award.

The NextGen under 30 award program opens for 2026 on January 20.

Sincerely,

Donald B. Swift

NextGen Under 30 – Interview in The Oklahoman
Garland McWatters, May 18, 2017 click to play

NextGen Under 30 Event Calendar 2026

Nominations open on January 20, 2026

NextGen Ambassador Meeting TBA

NextGen Alumni Reception TBA

Nomination Deadline June 20, 2026

Application Deadline June 27, 2026

NextGen Winners Announced
July 20, 2026 on nextgenunder30.com

Day at the State Capitol August 24, 2026 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Oklahoma State Capitol OKC OK

This experience includes a Capitol steps group photo, complimentary luncheon, and remarks from Oklahoma state leaders.

2026 Summit – Emerge Empowered TBA
Location: Oklahoma City Community College

NextGen Award Ceremony Friday, November 6, 2026 5:30 – 9:00
Location: Embassy Suites Hotel Norman, OK

A few words about the NextGen Under 30 program

Now in its fifthteenth year and having expanded the program’s scope and state-wide reach, NextGen Under 30 recognizes and encourages the next generation of innovative, creative, and inspiring individuals who push the boundaries in various categories of endeavor. In addition, award winners are selected based upon their participation in and contribution to their communities. A panel of respected business and civic leaders serve as judges.

Nomination Categories

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Adult and Higher Education

Teaching, training, administration, mentor, operations.

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Animal Care

Veterinary clinics and professionals, shelters, rescue organizations, pharmaceuticals.

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The Arts

Performing, visual, literary, as artists, agents, managers, facilitators

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Aviation

Any career or job associated with flying or any operation of aricraft

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Education K-12

Primary and secondary school teaching, training, administration, mentor, operations.

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Energy & Transportation

Any role in any energy exploration, generation, analysis, processing, or delivery organization. Plus, anyone who works in any category of the transportation industry.

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Finance

Jobs with firms that provide financial services to commercial and retail customers.

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Health Care

Providing medical and healthcare goods or services.

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Hospitality

Restaurants/Foodservice, bars, and hotels.

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The Law

Attorneys, paralegals, judges, assistants, managers.

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Manufacturing, Industry, the Trades, and Agriculture

Individuals engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products. Skilled workers, artisans, specialized training. Individuals involved with private or commercial agriculture or agriculture-related enterprises.

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