Brandon Navarro, Ricardo Fernandez, Imanol Garcia were part of the Construction Management Camp program, while Elsa Paulina “Pau” Ruiz was part of the Architecture program.These students are part of Texas A&M International University’s GEAR UP IV cohort and were among those selected to participate in week long courses designed to encourage career exploration in fields of interest to gifted and talented students.
The four participants from Eagle Pass High School were highly motivated to learn, think, solve problems, and have a strong interest in attending Texas A&M University. The students worked closely with Dr. Edelmiro Escamilla, Assistant Instructional Professor in the Department of Construction Science. At the conclusion of the camp each of the four participants were awarded a $1000 scholarship to attend Texas A&M University and major in Construction Science or Architecture.
Dr. Escamilla says that GEAR UP IV has sent top notch talent to Camp ARCH.
Many of the exercises we do will place participants in time constrained decision-making
scenarios. The competitive nature and ability to show leadership while working together
was a critical skill that these students brought to the camp.
University professors and other industry professionals taught classes relevant to Construction Science & Architecture. While they did some lecturing to introduce concepts and principles, major emphasis was given to "discussing and doing" as a strategy for engaging students in the investigative process. Classes met from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Camp ARCH included social and recreational activities in the late afternoons and evenings to provide for student interaction in other settings.
The students were housed in The Tradition at Northgate, a private dormitory located just off the Texas A&M campus that features suite-style accommodations with private bedrooms for each student. Camp orientation was held on Sunday night following the check-in period. At that time, campers were provided with opportunities to meet the camp staff and fellow "Yappers" through get-to-know-you activities. The majority of activities the students from Eagle Pass High School took part in revolved around the field of Construction Science & Architecture.