Eighth Grade Students Explore College, Careers
(Press Release 12-14-07)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Submitted story & photo

What do I want to do when I graduate? What careers are available and what do I have to do to be ready for my career? How much does college cost? How can I get scholarships?

These, and many more questions, were asked recently during a computer session sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. During the session, students set up personal accounts allowing them to explore colleges and careers, discover ways to plan and pay for college and eventually apply to college online.

“It’s a wonderful tool,” GEAR UP Project Director Linda Morgan said. “Students at Eastern’s 19 partner schools are going online to begin the process of career exploration. The site has a vast amount of information including an interactive tool to make sure students are on track to meet college entrance requirements, what the students should be doing each year of high school to start preparing for college, questionnaires to assess their skills, values, interests and personality, careers that match their interests and a quick overview of the challenges and opportunities students face in choosing a career. They can also learn all about jobs, including related majors and matching schools.”

The site also contains information about how much college costs, how to plan ahead for the cost of college and frequently asked questions about financial aid.

“It’s never too early to begin thinking about college,” Morgan added. “The GEAR UP program is working to enhance what is already taking place in classrooms.”

Eastern Oklahoma State College received a $6.7 million federal GEAR UP grant and is in its second year of implementation. Eastern has partnered with 19 area schools to provide students with additional educational opportunities. Schools included are Antlers, Buffalo Valley, Canadian, Clayton, Crowder, Haileyville, Hartshorne, Indianola, Keota, McAlester, McCurtain, Panola, Quinton, Rattan, Red Oak, Stigler, Talihina, Whitesboro and Wilburton.

CAPTION:
John G. Shero Junior High eighth-grade students Arhonda Martin, Melissa Morrison, Nikki Kibart and Ashley Bradbury explore college and career information during a computer session sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. During the session, students set up personal accounts allowing them to explore colleges and careers, discover ways to plan and pay for college and eventually apply to college online.