Seminole State College students explored educational and career opportunities during a recent college and career fair hosted by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation at the Grand Casino Event Center in Shawnee.

Several of SSC’s federally funded TRIO programs partnered for the event, bringing together high school students served by Upward Bound and current SSC students participating in Student Support Services.

The trip was sponsored by Student Support Services, STEM Student Support Services, Upward Bound I and II, and Upward Bound Math and Science I and II. Following the fair, students had lunch at Santa Fe Cattle Co.

“Upward Bound and Student Support Services are sister programs in the TRIO family, and we wanted to do something together to benefit all our students,” Student Support Services Advisor Megan Goff said. “This was a great opportunity for students still in high school and those already at SSC to explore colleges and universities in a low-pressure, low-stakes environment. The simple exposure to all those schools opens the minds of the students to what might be possible for their futures.”

Students spoke with representatives from colleges and universities throughout Oklahoma and neighboring states, including Texas, Kansas and Missouri. Technical schools and employers also attended the fair, giving students an opportunity to learn about career pathways and employment options available while pursuing a college degree.

For some students, the experience broadened their plans for the future.

“I had planned to only get my Medical Laboratory Technician degree, but now I am considering attending a four-year university to get a bachelor’s degree after speaking with recruiters at the fair,” STEM Student Support Services participant and Health Sciences major Amanda Gaddy of Shawnee said.

Student Support Services participant Rebecca Heikkinen said the fair gave her a chance to explore a variety of universities while reinforcing her current plans.

“I was really excited to see all the options for universities available,” Heikkinen of Paden said.

SSC’s Student Support Services and STEM Student Support Services programs serve students who are first-generation college students, economically disadvantaged or individuals with disabilities.

The SSC Student Support Services Project is 100% federally funded in the amount of $294,725 annually. The SSC STEM Student Support Services Project is 100% federally funded in the amount of $261,888 annually.

For more information about SSC’s TRIO programs, contact Director of TRIO Janna Wilson-Byrd at 405-382-9642 or visit the SSC website.