NSU's July ETS Camps Focus on Career and College Prep

Northeastern State Universitys Educational Talent Search program hosted camps throughout the summer at the NSU-Tahlequah campus. Julys focus was on students futures in both educational pursuits and career paths.

Career Camp took place July 14 15 for rising juniors. This group of students were introduced to important career and job searching concepts, such as cover letters, rsums, interviewing, and appropriate attire for job interviews.

Ive come to this camp for the past couple of years and it just gets better, Kirsten Nestlerode, Depew said. I will for sure attend again next year.

They also took career field trips and visited numerous businesses in Tahlequah.

I liked seeing all the different careers and hearing about their college experiences, Victori Diaz, Hilldale said.

These career visits with professionals included: Brent Fitzgerald, NSU professor of Criminal Justice; JD Carey, CPA; Dr. Matt Walker, dentist; Dr. Paul Plowman, OB/GYN; Aaron Roberts, elementary educator; Trish Anderson, Academy of Salon and Spa; Dr. Kyle Rozell, veternarian; Amy Williams, Tahlequah City Hospital nurse; Erielle Buckmaster, Tahlequah City Hospital Public Relations; Deanna Wright, nurse practitioner; Renda Reese-Davis, Business and Finance and the Tahlequah Fire Department.

I like how the staff truly cares about us like we are family. Camp is amazing, Jade Wright, Sapulpa said. This is my third ETS camp and I feel like they get better and better.

College Encounter for rising seniors took place from July 21 22. These students worked on social media networking with colleges, applied for their FAFSA PIN and familiarized themselves with the website, researched scholarship opportunities, learned rsum building skills, and registered for the September and October ACT national test dates using one of their two ACT fee waivers. Students were even introduced to lunch and fine dining etiquette.

I really liked the FAFSA and knowing whats out there to get, Brandon McLaughlin, Mannford said. All of the information is so helpful and makes me feel much more prepared for my senior year.

These students not only toured Northeastern State, but also took tours of nearby campuses as well. Students went around Carl Albert State College in Poteau, Okla. and University of Arkansas at Ft. Smith, Ark.

I liked that we worked on the rsums and college searches, John Toviehlon, Tulsa Memorial said. This camp was wonderful and helped me feel more prepared for college.

NSUs ETS serves middle and high school students in northeastern Oklahoma. This guidance program helps students recognize educational opportunities and motivates them to set and pursue future goals. Along with career and college counseling, students are encouraged to challenge themselves and recognize their strengths through educational, cultural and adventure activities. There are currently two ETS Programs funded at NSU, one at the NSU-Tahlequah campus and the other at NSU-Broken Arrow. Collectively, this program serves 1,000 eighth through 12th grade students in 17 area high schools.

My staff and I love the camp experience that were able to provide for our students, Diane Walker, NSU ETS Director said. Even though we facilitate monthly workshops during the school year, spending quality time with the students during summer camp is so productive and beneficial and further strengthens our relationship with each of them.

In June, ETS hosted two summer mini campsthe Learning and Leadership Summit,June 2-3, the High School Survivor Camp,June 9 10. At the conclusion of each camp, students, parents and staff enjoyed an awards banquet, which included a slideshow of camp photos, introduction of staff and mentors, introduction of students and a certificate presentation.

I am proud to say Ive been working in the Educational Search TRIO Programs for 22 years, Walker said. "As a director, Im always thinking of ways to improve our curriculum and provide the very best services, events and programs. My staff and I want our students to succeed and our number one objective is to equip them with the tools to successfully complete a post-secondary education. We know our summer mini-camps are a great way to prepare them for their college and career goals.

For more information about NSUs ETS program, call 918-444-2242 or emailwalker@nsuok.edu.