Nineteen GEAR UP seniors from Stringtown High School recently traveled to Okmulgee, OK, to tour the campus of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT). Kimberly Huntsberger, Campus Tour Coordinator, greeted the students and gave a brief overview of the admissions process, student services, and the programs offered at OSUIT.
After the introduction, Huntsberger guided students on a walking tour of the campus, including the bookstore, dormitories, library, Student Union, and Covelle Hall Wellness Center. Students learned about admissions requirements, courses available, and job placement, including the unique paid internships available while attending school at OSUIT.
The tour continued with a visit to the High Voltage Lineman department. Students learned that a two-year degree program ensures they will gain the skills and knowledge needed to be competitive in the workforce and that large companies are ready to hire students upon graduation. While students watched the prospective lineman learn to climb poles, instructors explained that much of the educational process is hands-on and career-focused. Before ending the tour, students were reminded to begin preparing for college now and to consider a technology school for post-secondary education.
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.