FAQs
About GeoFORCE
How many students are accepted to GeoFORCE each year?
GeoFORCE accepts a minimum of 126 eighth grade students per year; 42 students from the Southwest region, 42 students from Houston, and 42 students from the Austin metropolitan area.
Who is accepted into the GeoFORCE program?
Students in 8th grade and high school students interested in the geosciences and STEM can apply to the program. The application (located here) takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and should be entirely completed by the student applying. Applicants are selected based on their interest in STEM, geoscience, and involvement in both in-school and out-of-school programs. The GeoFORCE Texas program does not give preference on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin to an applicant or participant
How long is the GeoFORCE program?
GeoFORCE recruits students in the 8th grade and keeps them in the program throughout high school. It is a four-year commitment for the student and GeoFORCE.
How is GeoFORCE funded?
See our Sponsors page. GeoFORCE has an annual budget of about $1.6 million, of which about 1 million is raised annually from gifts and grants.
How much does it cost for students to attend GeoFORCE?
GeoFORCE is an all-expense paid program. It is free for participants.
Is GeoFORCE safe for my child/student?
GeoFORCE works under the University of Texas’s Youth Protection Program to minimize risk to our students. You can read more about YPP and the guidelines it sets for GeoFORCE here.
For Returning GeoFORCE Students
Do I have to apply every year?
No. BUT returning GeoFORCE students MUST re-register every year. See the student registration page for more information.
If I switch schools after being accepted in to GeoFORCE, can I still stay in the program?
Yes, once accepted to GeoFORCE students may stay in the program no matter where they move, as long as they are able to get to us to attend the summer field course.
What if I have to miss a trip?
Our students are allowed 1 excused absence from an Academy trip to still be considered as having completed the GeoFORCE program. Excused absences must be documented. They include a contagious illness/medical emergency (with a doctor’s note), a death in the family (with a parental note stating relationship to deceased and date of death/funeral service), a natural disaster (with photographic proof of inability to travel), or a conflicting event (wherein an Excuse Form must be submitted by April 1st and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.) Students are occasionally allowed to arrive late or leave early from a trip, provided 45 days advanced warning is given and they arrange their own transportation. When in doubt, contact us and discuss the situation. We try to accommodate as much as possible.
For GeoFORCE Alumni
What is the GeoFORCE Transition to College & Career Program?
GeoFORCE Transition to College & Career is our program for all graduates of GeoFORCE. It starts in your senior year of high school, after your final summer GeoFORCE trip.
The Transition to College program focuses on helping students while they apply to college and begin the paths beyond high school. While you’re in college, we’ll keep in touch through email by offering mentorship and advice, alumni meet-ups, summer staff positions, and research/internship opportunities.
With our Transition to Career program, we strive to connect active alumni with internship and job opportunities beyond college. Throughout college we’ll set up professional development opportunities, such as resume workshops, to prepare students for career fairs and other opportunities they may have.
What is the Math & Science Institute?
The Math & Science Institute is an 8-day academy that focuses on teaching students introductory chemistry, calculus, and physics skills the summer before their first year of college. Students who have completed the 12th grade academy can apply to be part of the Math & Science Institute that following spring.
How do I keep in touch with GeoFORCE after high school?
Be sure we have an updated email address for you so you can receive all our news.
Why should I keep in touch with GeoFORCE?
Well we have known you since you were 13 or 14, and we like you, so we want to know how you are doing. Also, we want to brag about you. Our sponsors really want to know how GeoFORCE kids fare beyond high school, and so we report annually about what our grads are up to. Our sponsors want to hire you, so if we know how to reach you and what education you’ve had, we can put you on contact with each other.
