SSC GEAR UP Hosts Summer Camps for Area Students

Josh Hutton
SSC GEAR UP students pose for a photo in front of Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium during a tour of the University of Oklahoma campus.
SSC GEAR UP students pose for a photo in front of Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium during a tour of the University of Oklahoma campus.

Seminole State College’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) hosted more than 140 incoming eighth- and ninth-grade students during two summer camps held July 5-8 and July 12-15.

Students from all 12 GEAR UP partner schools participated in campus tours, career exploration activities and hands-on educational experiences designed to prepare them for college.

SSC GEAR UP students tour the newsroom in the University of Central Oklahoma’s Mass Communication building in Edmond. The visit introduced students to academic programs and career opportunities in journalism, broadcasting and other communication fields.
SSC GEAR UP students tour the newsroom in the University of Central Oklahoma’s Mass Communication building in Edmond. The visit introduced students to academic programs and career opportunities in journalism, broadcasting and other communication fields.

During the camps, students toured Southern Nazarene University, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Central Oklahoma’s Department of Mass Communication and SSC. They also visited the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Osteology, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Students listen to a presentation at the Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City during SSC’s 2026 GEAR UP Summer Camp.
Students listen to a presentation at the Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City during SSC’s 2026 GEAR UP Summer Camp.

Additional activities included a Bricktown Canal tour, group meals and a trip to a movie theater to watch “Toy Story 5.”

Representatives from Texas Instruments led mathematics classes in which students learned to program robotic rovers. Students also participated in mock college courses and career presentations led by SSC employees. The sessions included physical education with Women’s

SSC GEAR UP students pose for a photo on the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives during a tour of the Oklahoma State Capitol.
SSC GEAR UP students pose for a photo on the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives during a tour of the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Basketball Assistant Coach Akira Eubanks, art careers with Assistant Professor of Art Lynette Atchley, law enforcement careers with Chief of Police Rick Amos, agriculture careers with Associate Professor of Agriculture Wendy Rich, an SSC campus tour with Recruitment Specialist Maddy Potter and esports with NASNTI Computer Science Specialist Alecia Bailey.

SSC’s GEAR UP program is supported by a seven-year, $6.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The program serves approximately 1,168 students across 12 partner school districts, including Asher, Holdenville, Konawa, Maud, Moss, Okemah, Seminole, Strother, Tecumseh, Varnum, Wetumka and Wewoka. GEAR UP provides academic preparation, college exploration and support services to help students prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education.