Thanks to a program once offered by Oklahoma State University Extension, Oklahoma fathers have learned skills that helped them become better dads.

The Strong Dads program, available in both English and Spanish, was launched in nine counties in 2023 by OSU Extension, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the National Fatherhood Initiative. Weekly classes over a three-month period helped dads learn about self-awareness; self-care; mental, physical and emotional health; parenting skills; and the role of a father. In addition, participants gained knowledge about fostering a healthy relationship with children, spouses and co-parents.

“The program was initiated because research shows that father involvement is linked to positive development in children,” said Ron Cox, OSU Extension state specialist. “Participants showed significant improvements in confidence in their parenting skills, and they substantially increased interaction with their children.”

Over three years, about 1,200 dads participated in the program. These participants varied in race, ethnicity, age and community. Cox and his team found a strong correlation between father involvement and partner satisfaction. Their findings suggest that increased father involvement impacts and strengthens the family unit.

One participant said he is thankful for the lessons he learned through the Strong Dads program.

“This class doesn’t just make you a better dad, it makes you a better man as well,” he said. “One of the things that really stuck with me was the lesson on family history and how it makes an impact on my parenting skills today. Everyone in the class comes from different demographics and backgrounds, so we’re able to share and build off all of our experiences.”

Another participant said the most impactful thing for him was knowing he wasn’t alone.

“As a guy, as a dad, we kind of feel like we don’t have support,” he said. “But, coming together, the one thing I got out of it was support. I’ve got other dads.”

Due to a cut in the external funding for the program, it was discontinued in mid-2026.

“The partnership we had with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to reach out to Oklahoma dads has been one of the most meaningful and impactful of my career,” Cox said. “I look forward to other opportunities and ways to create partnerships and programs that benefit more Oklahoma families in the future.”