EOSC GEAR UP recently visited several college campuses across Oklahoma and Arkansas to check in on our class of 2024 graduates as part of our ongoing efforts to support students and ensure that they have the resources and encouragement needed to succeed in college. GEAR UP education coordinators have traveled to twelve college campuses, meeting with sixty-three college students and six of our class of 2023 graduates who are now mentors to our 2024 students during their first year of college.

These visits, aimed at fostering a supportive community for students, were a part of GEAR UP’s ongoing efforts to ensure that students are not only succeeding in their studies but are also connected to the resources they need to thrive. GEAR UP staff met with students to provide guidance on academic planning, financial literacy, and career readiness. The initiative also focused on connecting students with campus resources such as tutoring, mentorship opportunities, and financial aid services.

The transition to college can be challenging, and GEAR UP is here to ensure that students have the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. Campus visits allow us to check in, offer assistance, and remind students that they are not alone in their academic journey. We aim to help them navigate any challenges and set them up for long-term success.

The campus visits are sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College’s GEAR UP program. 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.