40 Hours for the Forty Acres September 2022

GeoFORCE

The Jackson School's Flagship Diversity Program

Who We Are

The world needs geoscientists to tackle some of the biggest issues facing society, from water to energy to natural resources. At the Jackson School of Geosciences, our researchers are investigating these issues and more while preparing the next generation of geoscientists to answer fundamental questions about how earth systems work and apply that knowledge for the lasting benefit of humankind.

What We’re Fundraising For

GeoFORCE is a K-12 outreach program of the Jackson School of Geosciences designed to increase the number and diversity of students pursuing STEM degrees and careers, especially the geosciences. 

Through GeoFORCE Texas, the Jackson School partners with underserved school districts to help drive student interest in careers in STEM, with a focus on the geosciences. During summer academies, students take trips to some of the most spectacular geologic sites in Texas and throughout the United States and learn first-hand from geoscientists in the field, the lab and the classroom. 

Student Population 

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What Your Gift Goes To

Your gift provides lasting experiences for middle and high school students that will capture their interest, motivate them to explore STEM, and build their awareness of opportunities in highly technical careers, especially the geosciences.  

• A gift of $20 covers the entrance fee of one student to enter Zion National Park. 
  
• A gift of $50 supports field supplies for one student cohort during a summer academy. 
  
• A gift of $100 covers the cost of one hotel room night for the summer academies. 

Your Impact will Double

Thanks to an anonymous donor, the Jackson School has established a challenge match in which all first-time gifts to support GeoFORCE within the current fiscal year will be matched dollar for dollar. Funds will support programmatic expenses for the GeoFORCE Texas summer academies and annual programs. 

Results                                                         

A total of 241 GeoFORCE alumni are undergraduate students enrolled at four-year universities. Slightly more than half of first-time freshmen that enrolled in the previous academic year are majoring in a STEM field, with about 17% of these students majoring in geosciences. Out of all undergraduates currently enrolled at a four-year university, 8% are geosciences majors. These percentages are far greater than the 0.14% of undergraduate students nationally who graduate with geosciences degrees, according to data collected in 2019 by the American Geosciences Institute.                     

By investing in the education of our future geoscientists, you will help us prepare students to take on tomorrow’s biggest challenges and change the world for the better. 

Please give today, at any level.  

Thank you!