Area 8th Graders Will Be Taking 'College Road Trip'
(Press Release 02-19-08)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

More than 1000 8th grade students from 30 area schools will be taking a “College Road Trip” February 26 at the McAlester Southeast EXPO Center to help them make good choices for their future organizers say.

“Our goal is to educate the area students about the opportunities for education and employment in our area,” organizer Nicole Cook said.

“This is a reality trip for students which require them to make real world decisions such as job choices, education, budgets and purchases.

“At the conclusion of the trip they will see the outcome of their choices. Our objective is to get these 8th graders thinking about how their future choices impact the rest of their lives.”

Organizers have invited career group areas such as the health and medical fields, banking, education, manufacturing and many others to participate by setting up exhibits in an interactive way for students to see what the job and education opportunities require.

The day-long activity is being sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College and GEAR UP for a Brighter Tomorrow. They are working with the 8th graders to enhance their future and increase economic development for the area.

The career and college tour will make career exploration and career guidance a priority to expand workforce talent that meets the demands of area businesses.

“We are working for the future of our youth and for the economic development of our area,” she said.

“By exposing these students to the career and educational opportunities available with area colleges, businesses and industry, we will help the students be more focused on their career and educational paths.

“In turn,” she said, “this will help the schools meet their goals of decreasing drop-out rates and increasing graduation rates.”

For additional information contact Nicole Cook, GEAR UP Education Coordinator at 918.302.3640 or ncook@eosc.edu.