Indian Expo Kicks Off University of Central Oklahoma’s Outreach Program

By David Page

When more than 400 Native American elementary, middle school and high school students visit the University of Central Oklahoma campus this week for the Indian Expo, they will be part of an effort extending beyond the conference.

The conference will provide the students from across the state an opportunity to exhibit academic and athletic success stories, talents and cultural pride through competition and activities.

Behind the scenes the students will also be participants in UCO’s new Community Outreach Program.

“One of our main goals in the UCO Community Outreach Program is to help youth realize their fullest potential while preparing them for the benefits of higher education,” said Stacy McNeiland, director of UCO’s Community Outreach and Special Projects.

The UCO program is presenting the Indian Expo in conjunction with the state Department of Education and Indian Education Leadership programs.

“The Indian Expo will be an excellent learning conference that will provide students a great opportunity to build positive self- images and character,” McNeiland said.

“They will also find out about college planning, preparation and retention information that will give them a head start.”

Grade school students will be at UCO for the conference on Thursday with middle and high school students coming on Friday.

The program was established to expand UCO’s outreach efforts and develop relationships with surrounding communities, McNeiland said.

Participating groups and organizations, including Indian Education Leadership, work with UCO to strengthen their programs. UCO builds relationships with young adults and their families, exposing them to what it offers.

Other participating groups in UCO’s program include the Latino Community Development Agency, the Hope Center of Edmond and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Children from families who are clients of the Hope Center of Edmond came to campus for a back-to-school program. UCO faculty, staff and student volunteers provided them with new backpacks and filled them with school supplies. Each student also received a $15 gift card to Payless Shoes for a new pair of back-to-school shoes.

UCO representatives attended the DHS “Back to School” event at Douglass High School in August providing children brought by DHS clients with back-to-school items, including school supplies, socks, T-shirts and Kleenex.

Latino Community Development Agency students were on campus for a day of activities, including swimming at the Hamilton Field House pool. UCO volunteers played games with the students and distributed information and prizes to get students better acquainted with the university.

“As the state’s metropolitan university, UCO is working hard to develop new relationships throughout the metro and strengthen existing ones by supporting the goals of these organizations,” McNeiland said.

“We believe that we have something special to offer our community, so we’re providing the broad reach and creativity of UCO faculty and staff to work for various organizations.”

Originally published by David Page.

(c) 2008 Journal Record – Oklahoma City. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.