The Osage Nation Education Department hosted its 7th annual College & Career Fair on Nov. 3 in Pawhuska where regional students learned about post-high school career and learning opportunities.
Scores of students from communities across the Osage Reservation attended the College & Career Fair at the Osage County Fairgrounds where 30- plus colleges and trade school representatives met students at their respective information booths. There were also three military branch recruitment representatives and other career field representatives at the event.
“This year was our largest College & Career Fair (where the) number of students and institutions in attendance both increased from the past years,” said ON Education Department Director Mary Wildcat. “Our event continues to get bigger and bigger each year. Our Academic Advisor, Robynn Rulo, works year-round on the planning for this event, our goal is to continue to work on bringing more opportunities and resources to our Osage students each year.”
The Education Department hosted students in two sessions that day in the Ag Building. Students came from schools including Pawhuska High, Hominy, Woodland (Fairfax), Shidler, Prue, Barnsdall and Wynona.
Participating institutions this year include the University of Arkansas, Wichita State University, Tulsa Welding School, Northeastern State University, The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. Representatives from trade schools, private companies and other tribal nations also met with the students.
“In order for our Osage students in Osage County to attend a College & Career Fair of this size, they would have to travel a great distance; we are happy that we are able to provide this opportunity right here in Osage County,” Wildcat said. “Not only are the students able to learn about the various post-secondary opportunities within and outside of the state of Oklahoma, but they are also able to learn about career paths that exist right here within the Osage Nation. Our hope has always been that our young Osages will go to school to get their education and when they are finished, they will come back home to serve the Osage Nation.”
Wildcat also added: “By engaging in this activity, Oklahoma students completed a key requirement for the Individual Career and Academic Planning Program (ICAP). Students are required to participate in this program in order to graduate. Our College & Career Fair supports these graduation requirements.”
College students can find more information on higher education and scholarships by visiting the ON Education Department web page titled, “Post-Secondary Resources.” The purpose of the page is to provide information regarding additional funding sources for post-secondary opportunities.
