Eleven Keota 11th and 12th grade GEAR UP students recently toured OSU (Oklahoma State University) in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The tour began in the OSU Student Union with a hype video of the different events and opportunities offered on campus throughout the school year. After the video, the Event Coordinator Mariah Russell talked to the students about admissions, applications, GPAs, and scholarships. She also gave them helpful hints and advice on increasing their chances for scholarships and college acceptance. Before the walking tour began, Russell made sure to answer all the questions the students had. Students toured the campus with Senior Ambassador Kiana and her Senior classmates Kaytlyn and Brittany. They talked about the different superstitions around campus, including a traditional dorm and double apartment-style housing. Students enjoyed the tour, but their favorite part was the Boone Pickens Stadium and walking out on the football field. The OSU campus was the day’s highlight, but a bonus for the students was dining at Eskimo Joe’s before returning home.

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 over 3,000 students in 39 area schools for seven years.