Howe eleventh grade GEAR UP students recently traveled to Fort Smith, Arkansas, to tour the University of Arkansas (UAFS). After a brief introduction, Admissions Advisor Matti Sellers asked students about their career interests and programs students wanted to visit on campus before dividing into two groups which were led by Sellers and Student Ambassador Abbie Dickson.

Each group was given a tour of the campus and learned about the programs offered at the University. Quinton students visited the Lion’s Den Residence Hall, one of the several housing options on campus. Students were encouraged to live on campus and to get involved in clubs.

From the Lion’s Den, students visited the Math-Science Building, where students will most likely attend math and science classes. Sellers directed students to the Recreation and Wellness Center (RAWC), which includes a walking track, fitness center, basketball court and indoor climbing wall.

From the RAWC, the students visited the Windgate Art and Design Building, where several galleries with students’ work is on display. The students then traveled through the Pendergraft Health Science Center that houses the Dental Hygiene, Nursing, and Radiography programs.

Another stop on the students’ tour was the Boreham Library, where Dickson discussed how it was beneficial for college students to have a quiet space to study. Sellers led the students to a conference room for a Q&A session about tuition cost, scholarships, and the honors program. The final stop on the tour was lunch at the Lion’s Den Dining Hall on campus. Students enjoyed buffet style with several different options before departing campus.

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.