EOSC GEAR UP recently hosted a motivational speaking event featuring Jim Morris at Connors State College, the inspiring former professional baseball player whose life story was depicted in the 2002 film The Rookie, which left attendees deeply moved and motivated to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. Morris’s journey is one of perseverance and determination. After a promising start in Major League Baseball, an injury forced him to retire early. Yet, against all odds,

Eastern Oklahoma State College’s GEAR UP program recently hosted an exciting and motivational event for college students, featuring popular television personalities Farmtruck and AZN from the hit show Street Outlaws. The dynamic duo shared their inspiring journeys and personal stories of overcoming obstacles, determination, and pursuing dreams against the odds. Held at the OSUI-IT campus in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, the event brought together students from various fields of study to hear firsthand from Farmtruck and AZN

EOSC GEAR UP recently hosted a motivational speaking event featuring Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL running back Billy Sims at Rose State College. Billy met with GEAR UP students, delivering an inspiring message about hard work, resilience, and the importance of education. Drawing from his own journey—from humble beginnings to college football stardom—Sims shared how dedication, discipline, and support from mentors helped shape his success on and off the field. His words energized the

Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP hosted a motivational speaking event in Poteau, OK. Amberley Snyder, a professional barrel racer and motivational speaker, delivered an inspiring speech to EOSC GEAR UP students. Her journey from a championship barrel racer to a motivational speaker is remarkable. Her story of resilience and determination, especially overcoming the challenges following her accident, deeply moved and motivated our students. Amberley shared her experiences of triumph over adversity, emphasizing the importance

Seven students travel to Orlando, Florida, for an exciting adventure provided by EOSC (Eastern Oklahoma State College) GEAR UP. This trip allowed students to tour various colleges, universities, and local businesses to learn about career opportunities. Students stopped at the University of Central Florida-Rosen College of Hospitality Management, located in Orlando, Florida. This college offers students an unrivaled opportunity to learn and work in the heart of hospitality. It is named the nation’s # 1

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

Six GEAR UP students traveled to Alabama to participate in the Tour of Alabama, provided by EOSC (Eastern Oklahoma State College) GEAR UP. This trip allowed students to tour various universities and visit historical sites to learn the history of the state of Alabama. On the first day of the tour, the first stop was at the University of Alabama, where we were greeted by the out-of-state recruiting team, where students were given a quick

Fourteen students travel to Texas for an exciting adventure provided by EOSC (Eastern Oklahoma State College) GEAR UP. The trip is known as Tour of Texas, which allows students to travel south to tour various colleges and universities as well as local businesses to learn about career opportunities. Students stopped at Texas A&M University, which offers 144 total areas of study at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. They offer STEM undergraduate degrees in Applied

Twenty-seven area middle and high school math and science teachers recently participated in a four-day Texas Instruments training workshop at Kiamichi Technology Center in Poteau and at Eastern Oklahoma State College in McAlester.  The workshops were designed to help teachers integrate the TI-Nspire Navigator Systems and TI-Nspire CX II calculators effectively into classroom instruction, which helps students explore, understand and connect the principles of science, math, coding, engineering design, and electronics.  The workshops were conducted

The Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP hosted a Texas Instruments Mini-Conference for over forty southeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas educators this summer.  The Mini-Conference showcased the use of TI technology in math, science, or STEM classroom instruction.  Six local educators led sessions by demonstrating lessons they have used with the technology in their classrooms.  These educators include Liz Belcher (Panama), Tim Collier (McAlester), Keith Craig (Spiro), Angela Ervin (Rattan), Preston Fenn (McCurtain), and Lisa

EOSC GEAR UP held an early orientation camp to assist incoming GEAR UP freshmen adjust to campus life.  The camp began with a family night, where EOSC staff from various departments gathered to warmly welcome students and their families and answer their questions. Throughout the camp, students also had the opportunity to visit EOSC President Dr. Wansick’s office, where she personally welcomed them to campus. The students obtained their student IDs, parking permits, and class

Ten GEAR UP graduates participated in an 8-night, 9-day Global Leadership Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii. Students encountered a wide range of experiences, from learning about the history and culture of Hawaii to gaining leadership skills during the Global Leadership Summit. During this educational/leadership experience to Honolulu, Hawaii students toured the University of Hawaii, viewed the Halona Blowhole, hiked the Makapu’u Point Light House Trail and Diamond Head Monument, and much more. Students toured the NOAA

Eighteen GEAR UP graduates participated in a 4-night, 5-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 during the Global Leadership Summit. 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

The Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP Fall 2023 Newsletter is now available online. Click below to view the newsletter or download the PDF. Fall 2023 Newsletter Download PDF

For more information contact: Lisa Goddard EOSC GEAR UP Professional Development Coordinator 918.465.1749

Twenty-three students, chaperones, and GEAR UP team members recently attended the 2023 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA. The group spent four days touring UC Santa Cruz, UC Berkeley, and the University of San Francisco, as well as historical sites in and around San Francisco, CA. As the conference activities began, the six students—Madilyn Lovell, Spiro; Dakota Logan, Rattan; Rodrigo Sanchez, Howe; Rene Hurtado, McAlester; Deiondra Howard, Coalgate; and Weldon Harrison, Canadian—attended the

Eighteen GEAR UP graduates participated in a 4-night, 5-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 during the Global Leadership Summit. The trip began with students arriving in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and being greeted by Zion Leadership Group. They traveled to the T-Mobile District, where they had dinner and experienced music and

A collection on photos from the various activities our campers took part in during the EOSC GEAR UP STEAM Camp 2023 in Oklahoma City!