The Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation has earned an Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council. The honor recognizes DAEDF’s Workforce Support Program, which serves all of Stephens County, a community of fewer than 43,000 residents competing against economic development organizations from much larger markets.
Launched in 2022, the program functions as a cradle-to-career system. Seventh graders take part in a CO₂ car race, older students move into Career Pathways internships, and job seekers use a Stephens County career portal and local job fairs. New residents can even apply for the $2,000 Move Duncan relocation grant. DAEDF will be honored at the IEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans, Oct. 25-28, 2026, where it will also be recognized as a newly Accredited Economic Development Organization.
For Lawton and the surrounding region, the takeaway is simple. Talent retention is now the top issue for rural economic developers, and Duncan’s approach shows what happens when schools, Red River Technology Center, Cameron University, employers, and the regional workforce board all work from the same playbook. DAEDF has led economic development in Stephens County since 1954, and this award suggests their newest chapter may be their strongest.
What would a cradle-to-career workforce pipeline look like in Comanche County? Tell us in the comments.
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.