Thirty-one Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP students from area partner schools attended EOSC GEAR UP’s first STEM Camp in Wilburton, Okla. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. EOSC Dean of Science & Mathematics and Biology Department Chair Dr. Andrea Green, EOSC Chemistry Department Chair Dr. Krishna Bastola, EOSC Biology Instructor Dr. Julie Collins, EOSC Astronomy, Physics and Physical Science Department Chair Dr. Michael Nealon, Texas Instruments instructor and McAlester High School STEM teacher Bret Lalli, and Texas Instruments instructor and Wilburton High School math teacher Lisa Goddard presented hands-on learning sessions to participants. Session topics

One hundred fifteen ninth and 10th grade GEAR UP students from area partner schools recently attended Eastern Oklahoma State College’s GEAR UP Skills Summit Summer Camp. GEAR UP worked with FOCUS Training to design and deliver three, three-day, two-night leadership camps. Students participated in various leadership activities focused on creating positive self images, improving communication skills, team and relationship building, and active community involvement. The overall goal of the activities was to establish strong, impactful leaders. Each year, GEAR UP summer camp participants complete a community service project. This year, students created care packages for the McAlester Regional Medical Center