The Seminole State College GEAR UP program was notified by the National Council for Community and Educational Partnerships (NCCEP) to select seven students and one alternate to attend the National Youth Leadership Summit (YLS). The YLS was set to take place in July and held in Washington DC. Students completed an application process, which included a parent permission form, submitting copies of academic transcripts, recommendations from school personnel and essays. The following students were selected: Brogan Culwell of Asher, Giulietta Cook of Konawa, Reiden Walker of Okemah, Benjamin Foster and Brooke Stanley of Prague, Madison Hinkle and Austyn White-Richards of Varnum, and Jackson Reid of Wetumka.

The eight GEAR UP participants selected were to be among 200 students invited to attend this leadership opportunity. The focus of YLS is to help students identify and maximize their leadership skills, create a national network of peers and obtain the tools and training to make positive changes happen in their communities and around the world.

Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, SSC GEAR UP was notified May 18 by NCCEP that the Youth Leadership Summit was canceled.

“These eight students should be commended for the excellence demonstrated in the application process for this opportunity,” Dr. Kenneth Roe, GEAR UP Coordinator for Professional Development and Communications, said.