One hundred seventy-six Poteau ninth and tenth-grade GEAR UP students recently participated in a virtual tour of the USAO (University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma), located in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Recruiter Zoe Brown met with the students via Zoom to give an overview of USAO, including the history of the campus, majors offered, and a look into student life on campus. USAO is a public college home to about 1,000 undergrad students. Founded in 1908, USAO was a women’s college until becoming co-ed in 1965. Providing a liberal arts curriculum, the college focuses on the sciences and humanities as a foundation for their studies. Brown discussed popular degree plans and the school’s tuition, possible scholarships, and financial aid available to students. GEAR UP students learned that class sizes at USAO are smaller, which allows for a more personal connection between faculty and students. USAO also has a multi-professor approach where students may experience an expanded view of lecture topics. Brown also discussed having over 30 student organizations available on campus. At the end of the meeting, Brown held a question and answer session with the students, giving them the opportunity to learn more about the college. 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.