Partners

The success of GeoFORCE depends on bringing together academic, government, and industry partners who have institutional and personal commitments to improving the lives of the next generation.

The financial support provided by our partners allows the students to experience spectacular geologic venues that are important to increasing and maintaining their attraction to science and math. The personal commitments of individuals from our partners create one-on-one learning experiences, provide an opportunity to discuss careers with professionals, and make GeoFORCE the special experience that it is.

Academic Partners

Southwest Texas Junior College

Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) is the portal that connects the Jackson School with 18 independent school districts in southwest Texas. Their established network of schools, principals, and teachers has allowed GeoFORCE to efficiently disseminate information, conduct the application process, and establish the program across a large geographic area. In addition to providing the school network, SWTJC is an active participant in all aspects of the GeoFORCE program.

JSG provides funding for SWTJC to offer local logistical support, make initial contacts with teachers and students, identify counselors, and maintain financial and contractual records for local purchases.

SWTJC personnel arrange GeoFORCE events in southwest Texas, provide transportation for students in Eagle Pass and Del Rio, and prepare news articles for publication in local newspapers.

Ismael Sosa Jr. President	Blaine Bennett Dean of Institutional Advancement & Technology
Willie Edwards Public Information Officer	Jeanell Perez Southwest Texas Junior College Coordinator
Suzanne McCormack Institutional Advancement Coordinator	Dick Whipple Director, Office of Curriculum & Instruction

Houston Independent School District

The Houston Indpendent School District joined GeoFORCE in 2007 and will grow to 320 student participants by the end of the summer of 2009.

Staff at HISD are the key to identifying appropriate science teachers for participation in the program.

These teachers then encourage outstanding students to apply to GeoFORCE and assist them in the application process. HISD staff also assist in review of student applications, arranging meeting space, and participate in the events.

Kelly Trlica

Assistant Superintendent Secondary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Shelley McKinley

Manager, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Secondary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Fort Valley State University

Fort Valley State University (FVSU) has played a significant role in the development of GeoFORCE starting on day one.

Our program is styled after FVSU’s successful Mathematics, Science and Engineering Academy (MSEA), which has been in operation since 1993.

In addition to incorporating several aspects of the MSEA program, GeoFORCE interacts with FVSU by hosting and funding their MSEA 11th graders and by providing scholarships for FVSU students who choose to transfer to the Jackson School and pursue degrees in the geosciences.

Isaac Crumbly Interim Vice President for Career and Collaborative Programs/Director of CDEP	Jackie Hodges CDEP Assistant Director
LaRue Goss Program Coordinator	Pat McGhee Program Coordinator

Government, Industry, and Professional Organization Partners

Our government, industry, and professional organization partners provide funding, access to sites, instructors, and insight into what it is like to work as a geoscientist. GeoFORCE students benefit from interactions with corporate, government, professional organization participants who take time from their busy schedules to personally meet with them.

The following are partners from government, industry, and professional organizations that are involved with the GeoFORCE Texas Summer Academy and Young Geoscientist Programs.