Haywood County GEAR UP TN took 168 Haywood High School sophomores, parents, and teachers on a tour of the University of Tennessee at Martin on April 18. Students met at the Boling University Center to meet their student ambassador tour guides for the day.

The tour included a visit to the Student Recreational Center, Paul Meek Library, and the various buildings on campus to learn about the different programs and extracurricular activities offered at the university. Students were able to tour the living quarters, where they were especially impressed by the apartment-style residence halls. Later, GEAR UP provided a buffet lunch for everyone in the Skyhawk Dining Hall.

The GEAR UP cohort, the Class of 2018, takes a minimum of two college tours per year to learn about the college options available to them and to help them find the right fit for their postsecondary education after graduation. Also, GEAR UP works with every senior class to get those students college and career ready.