Fifty-two junior EOSC (Eastern Oklahoma State College) GEAR UP students from Atoka High School recently traveled to Okmulgee to the campus of OSUIT (Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology), where they participated in Career Encounters, a one-day event demonstrating the university’s hands-on technical and applied science programs. Upon arrival, students received a schedule and an overview of the day’s activities. They were allowed to choose from over fifty presentations and demonstrations from all four academic schools and experience the various programs offered at OSUIT. Activities included learning proper kitchen safety and flavor profiles while making pizza in the Culinary Arts department and creating 3D Modeling and Animation in the School of Creative and Information Technologies. While touring the campus, students spoke with recruiters and former Atoka students who explained the advantages of a technical college, such as job placement and higher-paying job options. Students were encouraged to plan early to attend OSUIT, to take advantage of financial aid opportunities such as Oklahoma’s Promise and FAFSA, and to schedule a personal tour. 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.