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Aggie Eagle Program

THE CORPS OF CADETS - BSA'S EAGLE SCOUTS

TWO GROUPS - SAME CHARACTER

For quite sometime the Corps of Cadets has counted over 300 Eagle Scouts among its membership. The number has varied a little from year to year.  However, it seemed to be on the rise not on the decline. Oddly enough, this was all accidental. There had never been any design or program to actively recruit Eagle Scouts. The conclusion was simple. The same character traits that drew a boy to scouting and retained his interest until the Eagle was awarded, also brought that individual to Texas A&M and to the Corps of Cadets. And, you will become eligible to receive an Eagle Scout Scholarship through the Sul Ross Scholarship Program at Texas A&M.

WHAT IS THE AGGIE EAGLE PROGRAM?

It is a recruiting program for the Corps of Cadets of Texas A&M University. Traditionally, the Corps has 300+ members who hold the BSA Eagle or the GSUSA Gold Award. The Program recognizes that the same traits that motivate a youngster to join scouts also encourage them, as collegians, to join the Corps. The fall program focuses on seniors and juniors in high school who are Eagle Scouts or Gold Award holders. If any seniors/juniors are still actively involved in scouting, they will be considered to be on track for these honors and may attend the Program.

This is an excellent opportunity to spend quality interaction time with members of the Corps.

WHEN DOES IT TAKE PLACE?

The next event will be held November 16-17, 2012 at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

All attending scouts must be seniors or juniors in high school. As stated above, they must hold the Eagle Scout or the Gold Award. Active participation in scouting will be deemed sufficient if they have not yet received the honors of Eagle or Gold Awards.

For a junior to attend, they must meet both of the following requirements:

1. Be in the top quarter of their class and
2. Have a minimum of either a 1050 on the SAT or 105 on the PSAT (combination of math/critical reading sections only)

Four ways seniors can meet attendance requirements (must meet any one of the four):

1. Be in the Top 10% of their class
2. Be considered an 'Academic Admit'
   • 1300 SAT (at least 600 on both critical reading and math components)
   • 30 ACT (minimum 27 in ACT English and ACT Math)
   • Top quarter of class
3. Minimum 1050 SAT (combination of math/critical reading sections only) / 23 ACT and be in top quarter of class
4. Minimum 1150 SAT (combination of math/critical reading sections only) / 25 ACT and be in top half of class

These are program minimums. These scores do not guarantee admission to TAMU. Space is limited. Those wishing to participate in the program should apply early.

WHY ATTEND?

The Program will provide the scouts with a unique opportunity to see Texas A&M and to become familiar with the Aggie Corps of Cadets while in the company of their fellow scouts. When possible, Scouts will be paired with Cadets who were also scouts. Attendees will be housed in the Corps dorms.

It is an official campus visit sponsored by the Office of the Commandant of the Corps. Thus, it is an excused absence in most school districts. Official campus visits, like Aggie Eagles, are considered during the Admissions process.

Scouts will be counseled on the admission process and will receive valuable information regarding loans, scholarships and ROTC Programs. Attendees will be eligible for Corps Scholarships. Corps scholarships do not require military service, and may be used in conjunction with other scholarships.

SHOULD A SCOUT WHO IS NOT INTERESTED IN A MILITARY CAREER ATTEND THE AEP?

YES! The Corps of Cadets has a rich military history. Annually, it commissions more officers into the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps tahn any other univeristy outside of the academies. However, 57% of our current cadets have elected not to pursue a military commission. These Cadets may enroll in the Leadership Excellence Program. This new innovative program has taken the discipline of the Corps and through course work, labs, and lectures has added the integrity and leadership skills that the private sector seeks in a new graduate. Meet Cadets currently enrolled in this new exciting program.

WHAT IS THE COST?

$35 per scout (non-refundable). After registering on-line, the scout will be contacted. Assuming they meet the qualifications for attending, a confirmation packet will be mailed to the scout. Certain forms and the non-refundable $35 fee will have to be returned to the Corps Center. The scouts registration is not reserved until the forms and the payment are received. Again, the number of attendees is limited. Due to a limited number of spots, prompt return of the forms is encouraged. .

When making travel arrangements, if traveling by bus or plane, please make your arrival/departure destination Bryan, Texas (Bus) or College Station, Texas (air). Texas A&M will provide transportation to and from ONLY the Bryan Bus Station or the College Station airport (Easterwood Field). If you are traveling by bus or air, please make that known as early as possible so we can be sure to plan for your arrival and departure.

MAY PARENTS ATTEND?

Yes, parents are encouraged to attend. Near the time of the event, a schedule will be posted on the Corps website. Sessions that parents may attend will be identified. Parents generally enjoy the Recognition Banquet. Scouts will attend a football game for the fall event, a basketball or baseball game during the spring. The Corps will provide the ticket for the scout's admission. Parents will have to purchase their own ticket through the athletic department or the 12th Man Foundation (http://www.12thmanfoundation.com/tickets/ticketbox1.asp). A special parent's session will be conducted as part of the event. While the scouts will be housed with the Corps, parents will have to provide their own accommodations.

WHERE SHOULD PARENTS STAY?

Hotels/motels in the Bryan/College Station area fill up very quickly for football weekends. Parents should make reservations as soon as possible. More on possible locations can be found here: http://www.visitaggieland.com/Where-to-Stay.

OUT OF STATE SCOUTS

All qualified scouts attending the Aggie Eagle Program will be considered for a Corps Scholarship. Corps Scholarships do not require military service. They may be used in conjunction with other scholarships, e.g. University, home town, Kiwanis etc. If a Corps Scholarship is awarded to a scout who is not a resident of Texas, the recipient may qualify for in-state tuition. This is a tuition reduction of approximately $30,000 over four years.

Scouts either flying into Easterwood Airport, College Station, Texas, or arriving by commercial bus into Bryan, Texas should let the Corps Center (1-800-TAMUAGS) know of their arrival time. Shuttle service will be provided between Easterwood and the Corps Center and between the Bryan Bus Station and the Corps Center.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

You may register on-line by going to: www.aggiecorps.org and provide the requested information. If you have any questions you may call Joe G. Bax '01, 936-851-2576, joebax@yahoo.com, or call Ms Melissa Cuevas or Ms. Theresa Becka at 1-800-TAMUAGS.

DOWNLOAD the 2011 Fall Edition of the Aggie Eagle Program Newsletter.