GeoFORCE Texas – Uncover the Possibilities

Presented by:
The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences
and
Southwest Texas Junior College
GeoFORCE Texas – Uncover the Possibilities!
GeoFORCE Texas is a summer program that rewards
outstanding South Texas students from grades 8
through 12 with the chance to travel the country, meet
inspiring people, and learn about opportunities for
careers in the geosciences.
GeoFORCE was launched to address two pressing
needs: inspiring the next generation of geoscientists
and fostering increased diversity in the U.S. workforce.
The program recruits from the predominantly Hispanic
South Texas region.
The goal of the GeoFORCE Texas program is to
expose honor students to the geosciences—especially
students underrepresented in the field, like females
and minorities—in a way that inspires them to actively
pursue geology as a course of study in the future.
Students admitted to this selective program meet each
summer for one week or two- to four-days traveling to
The University of Texas at Austin's Jackson School of
Geosciences, which hosts the program, and several
locations of geologic significance around the United
States.
Students are introduced to fascinating geological
issues they may not have the opportunity to study in
their normal academic coursework through hands-on
activities.
We are looking for outstanding students, who exhibit
the aptitude to succeed in math and science.
Application into the program is open to students who
are currently in 8th grade who meet the following
criteria can apply to be considered:
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Maintains a “B” or better average in all math
and science courses
Exhibits exceptional social conduct
Completes and submits all parts of the
application by the deadline
Forty students will be selected from the applicant pool
for the academy and forty students will be selected for
the field course track.
Thanks to the generosity of our corporate sponsors,
the program is free with all expenses paid for selected
students.
This is a four-year commitment (via the summer
academies) from the students, parents, and schools.
Selected students commit to participate in all assigned
coursework, activities, and field trips.
Parents commit to the program by encouraging their
student to excel in school and to participate in all
program activities.
Schools commit to GeoFORCE Texas by supporting
the student throughout the program.
Given that GeoFORCE Texas has required field work,
most of the program is held in the outdoors. Selected
students are required to be able to walk and hike on
various types of terrain in various weather conditions.
Completed applications must be postmarked no later
than Thursday, February 8, 2007 and submitted to:
Ms. Nita Reed
Southwest Texas Junior College
2401 Garner Field Road
Uvalde, TX 78801-6297
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee
made up of staff from The University of Texas at Austin
and Southwest Texas Junior College. The selection
committee will strive to maintain an accurate
representation of the south Texas demographics in the
GeoFORCE Texas academies.
Students not selected to join the Academy track
will be invited to join the Young Geoscientists field
course track.
All students submitting an application for the
GeoFORCE Texas will be notified of acceptance or
non-acceptance by March 16, 2007.
Presented by:
The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences
and
Southwest Texas Junior College
Application check list and submission order:
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COVER SHEET
All GENERAL INFORMATION completed and signed by parent
STUDENT STATEMENT completed and signed by student
STUDENT ESSAY written and signed by student
PROOF OF GRADES
Copy of your complete TRANSCRIPT from the 7th grade AND a copy of your transcript from the current grading
period.
NOTE: If application received before January 12, 2007, a second transcript will be required.
 TEACHER/ COUNSELOR STATEMENT completed and signed by teacher/counselor
 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES as needed (not required) signed by parent
 Application postmarked by February 8, 2007.
Application must be mailed or delivered by February 8, 2007 to:
Ms. Nita Reed
Southwest Texas Junior College
2401 Garner Field Road
Uvalde, TX 78801-6297
For additional information contact:
Julie Spink
Program Coordinator
GeoFORCE Texas
Jackson School of Geosciences
[email protected]
(512) 471-4360
Presented by:
The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences
and
Southwest Texas Junior College
Nomination Form
Deadline: February 8, 2007
Application Cover Sheet
This page MUST be the first page and top sheet of your application. Please complete all information.
SCHOOL: _______________________________________
GENDER (circle one):
MALE
ETHNICITY (circle one): Hispanic
FEMALE
African American
Caucasian
Other (please list): ______________________________
LAST NAME: _____________________________________
FIRST NAME: _____________________________________
Presented by:
The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences
and
Southwest Texas Junior College
GENERAL INFORMATION and PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT
NOTE: All sections and information must be completed and postmarked by February 8, 2007. Please fill-in even if
information is requested more than once.
All information will be kept in strict confidence and used only in a manner consistent with the regulations of The University
of Texas at Austin, Southwest Texas Junior College, and the GeoFORCE Texas program.
Please neatly print or type this information.
Student Information:
Full Name:________________________________________________________________________________________
Birth Date:__________________________________
Social Security #: Will be required if student selected
School: ____________________________________
Town: ______________________________________________
Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________ State: ____________________
Zip: _______________________________
Street Address (if different from above): ________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________ State: ____________________
Zip: _______________________________
Phone: ____________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________
Gender: Male
Female (circle one)
Parent/Guardian Information:
Name: ____________________________________________ Relation to student: ______________________________
Home Address (if different from student above): _________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________ State: ____________________
Zip: _______________________________
Phone: ____________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________
Work Phone: _________________________________ Cell Phone: __________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Consent:
I certify that I am the parent or legal guardian of this student and agree to allow her/him to fully participate in the
GeoFORCE Texas Program including all travel necessary to attend all academy field trips. I also agree to be a participant
in GeoFORCE Texas by encouraging my child’s participation in the program and taking necessary steps to ensure her/his
success.
Parent Signature: _________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________
Presented by:
The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences
and
Southwest Texas Junior College
GeoFORCE 2007 Application
Deadline: February 8, 2007
Student Statement
Student: _______________________________________
School: _______________________________________
The Student Statement MUST be written by the STUDENT. Adults may proof the student’s work. The following is a
statement from student on personal qualifications (academic achievement, motivation, career goals, etc.) to join
the GeoFORCE Texas Program.
Statements can be typed or neatly hand-written. An additional sheet may be used and MUST include on the top of the
sheet the student’s full name and school. Each statement should be at least four paragraphs long and NO LONGER than
two pages.
Students may wish to attach additional references and proof of math and science achievements. These may include
awards won at science fairs, participation in UIL or other academic societies, volunteer work done that included math and
science related activities, etc.
Student Signature: _________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________
Presented by:
The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences
and
Southwest Texas Junior College
GeoFORCE 2007 Application
Deadline: February 8, 2007
Student Essay
Student: _______________________________________
School: _______________________________________
The Student Essay MUST be written by the STUDENT. Adults may proof the student’s work. The following is a personal
essay from student on why they are interested the geosciences.
Essays can be typed or neatly hand-written. An additional sheet may be used and MUST include on the top of the sheet
the student’s full name and school. Each statement should be at least four paragraphs long and NO LONGER than two
pages.
Topic: Why I am interested in the geosciences (earth sciences)?
Student Signature: _________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________
Presented by:
The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences
and
Southwest Texas Junior College
GeoFORCE 2007 Application
Deadline: February 8, 2007
Student Proof of Grades
Student: _______________________________________
School: _______________________________________
Provide the information requested below and attach a copy of your complete transcript or report card from the 7th grade
AND a transcript from the current grading period.
If a grade is not available for a section, please provide an explanation as to why the grades cannot be reported, for
example if a student has moved recently the student may not have access to grades earned at the previous school.
List 7th grade SCIENCE course(s): ____________________________________
Grade(s) received for course(s) listed above:______________________________
List 7th grade MATH course(s): _______________________________________
Grade(s) received for course(s) listed above:______________________________
Overall GPA or grade for 7th Grade: __________________________________
List 8th grade SCIENCE course(s): ____________________________________
Grade(s) received for course(s) listed above:______________________________
List 8th grade MATH course(s): _______________________________________
Grade(s) received for course(s) listed above:______________________________
Overall GPA or grade for 8th Grade: ___________________________________
Student Signature: _________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________
Presented by:
The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences
and
Southwest Texas Junior College
GeoFORCE 2007 Application
Deadline: February 7, 2008
Counselor/Teacher Statement
Student: _______________________________________
School: _______________________________________
Statement from counselor or science teacher on qualifications (academic achievement, motivation, personality, etc.) of the
student applying to join the GeoFORCE Texas program. An additional sheet may be used and MUST include on the
top of the sheet the student’s full name and school.
Counselor/Teacher Name (print): ________________________________
Counselor/Teacher Signature: __________________________________
Counselor/Teacher Position: ___________________________________
Date: _____________________
Presented by:
The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences
and
Southwest Texas Junior College
GeoFORCE 2007 Application
Deadline: February 7, 2008
Special Circumstances
Student: _______________________________________
School: _______________________________________
The University will consider Special Circumstances in helping us make a selection decision. Special circumstances in an
applicant’s life sometimes help a reviewer to get a clearer picture of an individual applicant’s qualifications. The special
circumstances we consider include: socioeconomic status of family, single parent home; language spoken at home; family
responsibilities; overcoming adversity; cultural background; race, ethnicity and gender; other information in the file.
Parent Signature: _________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________