Thirty-two Porum GEAR UP students recently toured OSUIT (Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology) in Okmulgee. The students began their day in the Grady W. Clack Center where they met with the student recruitment team who provided information about campus life, educational programs, tuition and financial aid, and paid internships while completing their education. GEAR UP students visited programs including 3D Modeling & Animation where they learned graduates have earned jobs designing videogames, assisting with commercial designs, and architectural design and presales. The tour proceeded to the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program where students learned about the course. Before completing the tour, students visited the Diesel & Heavy Equipment program where they learned about multiple programs available, including specializing in Komatsu and CAT. Prior to participation in these programs, students receive a sponsorship and participate in internships through their sponsor. These students prepare for a career with their sponsor following graduation. Upon completion of the campus tour, students ate lunch in the Cowboy Café located in the OSUIT Student Union.
The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Eastern received a $17 million federal GEAR UP grant in 2017, and will serve more than 3,000 students in 39 area schools for seven years.