Camp SOAR (Summer Opportunities in Aerospace Research)
Camp SOAR is a five-day summer camp held every two years designed to expose rising high school juniors and seniors with an interest in aerospace engineering to the research and facilities at Texas A&M University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering. During the five days at Texas A&M, campers explore the field through hands-on design projects and tours of our research facilities.
Camp SOAR will be held July 12-17, 2026.
Camp SOAR offers participants three tracks: airplanes, helicopters and space.
The campers design and build a project within their track. Throughout the experience, campers are introduced to the engineering design process and develop critical thinking and teamwork skills.
Outside of their design work, campers visit many of our facilities while they're on campus including the Vehicle Systems & Control Laboratory, Land Air and Space Robotics Laboratory and the hypersonic wind tunnels of the National Aerothermochemistry and Hypersonics Laboratory. They also have the opportunity to learn from our world-renowned faculty and engage one-on-one with current aerospace engineering students.
Campers stay on campus in modern residence halls and have access to the university’s recreational facilities, library and computer labs.
Tracks
- Space Robotics - Dr. Manoranjan Majji, Land, Air and Space Robotics Laboratory
- Aircraft - John Valasek, Vehicle Systems & Control Laboratory
- Rotorcraft - Moble Benedict, Advanced Vertical Flight Laboratory
- Space Mission Design - Daniel Selva, Space Systems Engineering, Autonomy, and Knowledge (SEAK) Laboratory
Program Dates
The next Camp SOAR will take place in July 12-17, 2026.
Eligibility
Students enrolled as high school juniors or seniors as of Fall are eligible to apply. Out-of-state applicants are welcome!
Application Requirements
- Recent unofficial high school transcript
- Camp SOAR application essay
- Nonrefundable $35 application fee
Acceptance
Selection is based on academic qualifications and potential benefit to the participant. Campers selected for the program will receive more detailed instructions at that time.
Cost
Camp SOAR cost includes room, board and camp activities. Financial need-based scholarships are available.