Sophomores from eight GEAR UP Maine RISE partner schools tried virtual reality, practiced using stethoscopes on a patient simulator and examined electric vehicle technology during a three-day college tour Nov. 4–6.
Students from Fort Fairfield Middle High School, Maine Academy of Natural Sciences, East Grand School, Katahdin Middle/High School, Piscataquis Community High School, Woodland Jr./Sr. High School, Stearns High School and Madison Junior Senior High School participated.
The tour brought students to the University of Maine, Thomas College, the University of New England, Southern Maine Community College and the University of Southern Maine. For many, it was their first time on a college campus.
At UMaine, students tried virtual reality during an engineering demonstration. At USM, they participated in a healthcare presentation using a patient simulator and attended a planetarium show. Some students also explored SMCC’s Automotive Technology program, where they viewed a battery removed from an electric car.
Campus tours and meals on campus gave students a look at everyday college life, while time with peers from other schools offered opportunities to connect and compare interests.
“It’s my dream to come here,” one Madison High School student said during a campus visit.
GEAR UP Maine RISE coordinated the tour with participating colleges, school teams and FOCUS Training to help students explore college options early in high school and connect their interests with future study and career opportunities.
GEAR UP Maine RISE works with partner schools to help students and families explore
education, training and career opportunities after high school. Syntiro improves education and employment outcomes through access and opportunities. Learn more at gearupme.org.
Funded through a grant (reference #P334S230003; Marques Thomas, Project Officer) from the U.S. Department of Education to the University of Maine at Farmington and administered by Syntiro, GEAR UP Maine RISE provides mentoring, advising and opportunities that empower Maine’s next generation of leaders.
