A Priceless Experience

Of the 58 high school seniors who attended the 2018 GeoX camp, 100 percent of them applied to the College of Geosciences and 100 percent were admitted. GeoX has easily become the college’s most reliable recruiting tool, and there are clear reasons why. For one, the college selects campers based on GPA, class rank and strong interest statements to ensure every camper arrives with a curious mind and a passion for learning.  

Perhaps the most important asset to the camp’s success, however, is the lack of a cost barrier for incoming campers. It costs approximately $1,200 for each individual camper, but thanks to generous sponsorships from BP and other corporate and private donors, the college offers the camp free of charge to students.

To College of Geosciences Dean Debbie Thomas, the impression the camp makes on each student is priceless. “Our campers all arrive with a deep passion for the geosciences,” she said. “Through the immersive experience made possible by our gifted staff and faculty, the campers develop a critical connection between their passion and the rewarding career paths that await them.

“The most powerful dimension of that experience, however, is the Aggie experience,” Thomas continued. As campers learn more about the geosciences, they also engage in Aggie traditions and witness the all-encompassing spirit that makes Texas A&M special. While students may arrive at GeoX looking for a place to learn and build a career they’re passionate about, they find a place where they can belong along the way. “Most of our campers return home from GeoX knowing that they are going to be Aggies.”

While the GeoX program is made free by its current sponsors, the College of Geosciences is requesting a major endowment to ensure the long-term viability of the program and to fund scholarships for top students attending the camp who are admitted to Texas A&M. Endowed gifts begin at $25,000, payable over a five-year period. You can also choose to sponsor an individual student’s cost to attend the camp or give online at give.am/GeoXExplorationCamp. Learn more by contacting Gary Reynolds '88 below.