Nine GEAR UP graduates participated in a 3-night, 4-day Global Leadership Summit in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Students encountered a wide range of experiences, from learning about the history and culture of Puerto Rico to gaining leadership skills and giving back to the community.
The trip began with students arriving in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and being greeted by Zion Leadership Group. They traveled to Puerto Rico for a culinary experience, where they had dinner and learned to make a traditional Puerto Rico dish.
Day two, students attended a Global Leadership Symposium where they gave back to the community. They spent the day at Antiguo Ancon de Loiza where they helped pour cement pads for the community garden.
On day three, students traveled to the El Yunque National Rain Forest, where they hiked to the river exploring nature along the way. Next, they were immersed in the downtown culture, where they had lunch and later swam in the ocean. That evening, they enjoyed learning and studying marine biology off the coast of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
On the last day, students learned about the history and government of Puerto Rico while participating in a walking tour of Old San Juan.
EOSC 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.
