A GeoFORCE to Be Reckoned With
Since 2004, the Jackson School of Geoscience’s premier outreach program has introduced hundreds of Texas high schoolers to the geosciences — and changed lives along the way.
GeoFORCE trains the next generation of STEM leadership, unearthing the visionaries who will shape the way we use energy and manage the environment in the coming decades.
Since then, 1,837 individuals from across Texas have graduated from this innovative program out of the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin. Developed to tackle the shortage of geologists and geoscientists and the lack of exposure to Earth sciences in high school, GeoFORCE locates and trains bright young students across the vast expanse of Texas, bringing them to spectacular geological field academies throughout the US. The program ensures a steady pipeline of top talent while also preparing students from Texas communities to compete in a global marketplace.
A program almost entirely funded by the generosity of philanthropists committed to providing training and opportunities for young people across Texas, GeoFORCE is a crucial piece of the student outreach and support ecosystem at the Jackson School. As GeoFORCE celebrates its two-decade milestone, two past participants shared some of what the program has meant to them in their personal and professional lives
Prepare for the Best
Like several of his classmates, Isaac had spent four years in GeoFORCE, traveling the country and learning the geosciences from the best of the best. More than just pointing him to a career in geology, his time in the program built a ready-made support group that was waiting for him when he arrived on the Forty Acres. In addition to his peer community, then-GeoFORCE Associate Director Eleanour Snow became a mentor and career advocate, helping Isaac imagine and then achieve his dreams.
“College is hard!” Isaac said, graciously understating the fact. “But when I got to UT, I realized that GeoFORCE had me studying these subjects for four years before I even showed up on campus.”
“The donors who help make this program possible have made a huge difference in my life and the lives of so many aspiring scientists.”
Isaac has worked as an Environmental Scientist at Versar, Inc. since August 2015.
Like several of his classmates, Isaac had spent four years in GeoFORCE, traveling the country and learning the geosciences from the best of the best. More than just pointing him to a career in geology, his time in the program built a ready-made support group that was waiting for him when he arrived on the Forty Acres. In addition to his peer community, then-GeoFORCE Associate Director Eleanour Snow became a mentor and career advocate, helping Isaac imagine and then achieve his dreams.
“College is hard!” Isaac said, graciously understating the fact. “But when I got to UT, I realized that GeoFORCE had me studying these subjects for four years before I even showed up on campus.”
“The donors who help make this program possible have made a huge difference in my life and the lives of so many aspiring scientists.”
Isaac has worked as an Environmental Scientist at Versar, Inc. since August 2015.
And Suddenly, It Clicks
Marissa Vara, B.S. ’14
Marissa Vara remembers the day in eighth grade that her pre-AP science teacher introduced the class to a new program that would take students all over the country, teaching them geoscience by treating some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders as living labs. After some family negotiations, Marissa took the first step towards her life in the geosciences.
That first summer was a dizzying array of exhausting bus rides, hikes and lessons — and lots of fun. Marissa remembers Professor Leon Long lecturing on outcrops: “It was very much like a freshman class at the Jackson School,” she said, laughing. “None of us knew what the heck we were doing.” Then, in her third-year summer trip to Oregon, it all came into focus. “Suddenly, I realized I can do this. I can be a geologist and really understand the way the world works.”
And Suddenly, It Clicks
Marissa Vara, B.S. ’14
That first summer was a dizzying array of exhausting bus rides, hikes and lessons — and lots of fun. Marissa remembers Professor Leon Long lecturing on outcrops: “It was very much like a freshman class at the Jackson School,” she said, laughing. “None of us knew what the heck we were doing.” Then, in her third-year summer trip to Oregon, it all came into focus. “Suddenly, I realized I can do this. I can be a geologist and really understand the way the world works.”
GeoFORCE changed my life.”
“GeoFORCE changed my life. It gave me the opportunity to widen my view and made me feel like someone from my background could do this science,” she said. “It means the world to me and is a big part of the reason why I’ve decided to dedicate my career to giving back.”
Marissa has worked as a Higher Education Specialist at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research since June 2021.
To find out more and to support the next critical generation of geologists and geoscientists right here at UT Austin, visit jsg.utexas.edu/geoforce today.
Changing the world
More from this series
Lucky to Help
Legendary economist and Longhorn Ed Hyman helps lead the charge to restore the iconic Tower at the heart of the Forty Acres.
Semper Fi, Longhorn
The Andrew T. Huoni Memorial Endowed Scholarship carries forward one Marine’s mission to support fellow veterans and Longhorns.
Focused on Hope
Jas Sethi, BBA ’20, honors his sister’s life with a scholarship for social work students at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work.