April 14, 2011/Oklahoma GEAR UP Offers Teachers and Students Free Outdoor Learning This Summer

Students and teachers from select GEAR UP schools can wade into investigative learning this summer as they explore Oklahoma’s fish, aquatic insects, reptiles, birds and amphibians by enrolling in one of the three, free Oklahoma GEAR UP 2011 Summer Institutes.

Eighth- through 10th-grade students and middle and high school teachers can strengthen their math and science skills with exciting exploratory technologies by participating in the weeklong, residential camps. Redlands Community College in El Reno is offering “Exploring Natural Resources” May 30-June 4 for teachers and June 6-10 for students. Connors State College in Warner is hosting two sessions of its outdoor science camp. Students can choose to attend “Wilderness Adventure: Science = Education and Careers” either July 18-22 or July 25-29.

“The summer institutes are a great opportunity for students and teachers to participate in ongoing research through hands-on, real-life science experiments. Teachers will be able to take what they learn this summer and use it in their classrooms next fall,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “Our summer institutes give students the chance to be out in the fresh air and have a great time learning outdoor science. The institutes also give students the chance to explore career options and learn more about campus life from current college students.”

Application deadline is May 1. Preference for the summer institutes will be given to students and teachers from designated GEAR UP schools. If room is available, additional applicants will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis from previously designated GEAR UP schools. 

Summer institute eligibility details, camp descriptions and applications are available at www.okhighered.org/gearup/schools/summer-institutes.shtml. For more information, call (800) 858-1840.

GEAR UP, a federally funded program administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, helps prepare middle and high school students for college through academic preparation programs and scholarships for students, professional development activities for educators and college access information for students and parents.

The U.S. Department of Education awarded Oklahoma with state GEAR UP grants totaling $20.5 million in August 1999 and $20.6 million in August 2005. The grants have been matched by more than $47 million from state and partner resources. With the addition of the 2005 multi-year, federal grant, Oklahoma’s GEAR UP program will ultimately receive more than $45.6 million in federal funds by 2011. GEAR UP receives 49 percent of total funding from the federal government and 51 percent from other organizations.