College Students Explore University Opportunities in Texas

News Summary

Fourteen GEAR UP students from Eastern Oklahoma State College embarked on a college exploration trip across Texas, visiting universities and learning about various academic programs. Starting at Texas A&M University, they experienced campus life and continued their journey to UT Austin, SeaWorld, the Alamo, and Texas Tech University. This initiative, backed by a $17 million GEAR UP grant, aims to empower students with academic planning and career readiness skills to shape their futures.

Exciting College Exploration Trip for GEAR UP Students in College Station

In the sunny city of College Station, excitement filled the air as fourteen enthusiastic GEAR UP students from Eastern Oklahoma State College embarked on an adventurous college exploration trip. This journey was part of the “Tour of Texas,” a fantastic initiative designed to help high school students discover their future educational paths and career opportunities!

The primary goal of the Tour of Texas is to showcase various colleges, universities, and local businesses, and what better place to kick off their adventure than the lively campus of Texas A&M University? Students had a chance to soak in the rich history and vibrant culture that the university has to offer. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t be a bit awestruck by the massive Aggie spirit that surrounds the campus?

Endless Academic Opportunities Await

Texas A&M is recognized for offering an impressive selection of 144 areas of study across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. It’s a treasure trove of possibilities! For those excited about the sciences, the university provides a range of STEM undergraduate degrees—from Biology to Computer Science, and even Wildlife Conservation Science. If humanities or education is more your jam, don’t worry—Texas A&M has got you covered there too! With majors encompassing agriculture and beyond, students have a wonderful opportunity to tailor their education to their interests.

The Fun Continues Beyond College Campuses

But the journey didn’t stop at Texas A&M! The next day, the GEAR UP students took a zip to UT Austin, where they explored another vibrant campus. Their adventure continued as they hopped over to the exciting atmosphere of SeaWorld. As they immersed themselves into the wonders of marine life, the students also learned about the variety of career opportunities available within the theme park—talk about a splash of information!

After making waves at SeaWorld, the group headed to the historic Alamo and the breathtaking Natural Bridge Caverns. Here, they were able to delve into the captivating history of the caverns and even learn how they were discovered. Adventures like these certainly foster a love for learning and a deeper appreciation for the incredible world around us!

A Stop at Texas Tech University

The whirlwind tour concluded with a comprehensive walking tour of Texas Tech University. Students gathered important insights regarding the university’s programs and transfer criteria, ensuring they have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their educational journeys.

Empowering Students with GEAR UP

This amazing trip was made possible thanks to the generous support of the GEAR UP program sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College. In 2017, the college received a whopping $17 million federal GEAR UP grant aimed at serving over 3,000 students from 39 area schools over seven years. The purpose of this important initiative is to create supportive community connections for students while helping them with academic planning, financial literacy, and career readiness.

Cheering on the students from the sidelines, GEAR UP staff regularly check in with students to ensure that they have the resources and support they need for college success. With such guidance and commitment, these students are well on their way to achieving their educational dreams!

This college exploration trip was not just about visiting universities; it was an exciting journey of discovery that could shape their futures forever. And what a fantastic way to ignite their passions and aspirations!