The Panola seventh and eighth grade GEAR UP students recently toured CSC (Connors State College) in Warner. The tour began in the Fine Arts Auditorium. CSC Director of Recruitment Logan Nero provided Panola students with an introduction to Connors State College and discussed the degree programs offered, financial aid information, and scholarship assistance that is available. Nore discussed the importance of the ACT and challenged them to begin thinking about their future.

Students were led through the Education Building where varies math and science classes are held. Next stop was the Melvin Self Fieldhouse where they walked through the workout facilities and gymnasium. Students visited the Equine Barn where the students had an inside look at the stables and horses. Nore talked about Connors’ rodeo team and explained how to join.

From the Equine Barn, the tour moved to the Library Learning Center, Nero spoke with the students about how a college library is extremely important. She also discussed various student activities that the library hosts.

The last stop on the tour was the Student Union to see the cafeteria. They learned about dining options and various activities held in the Student Union throughout the year.

“College tours are an important part of Eastern’s GEAR UP program,” said GEAR UP Education Coordinator Tara Martin. “The students enjoyed getting a first-hand look of what a college campus is about.”

The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Participating schools take two field trips each academic year—one to tour a college or university and one that is cultural/educational in nature. Eastern recently received a $17 million federal GEAR UP grant and serves over 3,000 students in 39 area schools.