Twenty-eight freshman and sophomore EOSC (Eastern Oklahoma State College) GEAR UP students from Stringtown High School recently participated in a virtual college tour day. EOSC Admissions Recruiter Karen Darby met with students in their classroom and gave them an overview of Eastern and the many opportunities the college offers. With locations in Wilburton, McAlester, Idabel, and Antlers, the school is readily accessible to students in southeastern Oklahoma and is an affordable option. Darby discussed financial aid and how students can avoid higher payments and student debt by attending a smaller college. EOSC is a two-year college with a variety of programs and works in association with four-year colleges to provide placement for Eastern graduates. Darby discussed Eastern’s top academic programs, including the nursing and respiratory therapy programs, and suggested taking general classes during their junior and senior high school years. Darby encouraged students to become involved in campus life, tour the campus, and explore the community. The session ended with a question and answer segment where students inquired about student life, athletics, scholarships, and campus living. Darby explained the advantages of a smaller campus and recommended students consider attending EOSC upon graduation. The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College’s GEAR UP program. 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.