Youth Adventure Program

Explore Your Future at Texas A&M

The Youth Adventure Program (YAP) is a series of one-week courses for gifted and talented students, designed to encourage career exploration across a wide range of fields. We have classes spanning the majority of Texas A&M’s academic colleges – all the way from architecture to veterinary medicine!

Classes emphasize hands-on, exploratory learning experiences and are taught by Texas A&M faculty and industry professionals.

Registration is NOW OPEN for our study abroad session to Australia! To register, click here.

Registration for our traditional, College Station based courses will open on February 1st, 2027. For early enrollment access, please email yap@tamu.edu requesting to join our mailing list.

 

Two students work on an activity during a Visualization camp for the Youth Adventure Program.

Join Us This Summer

(Information and links for Summer 2025 programs)

Frequently-Asked Questions

Where is YAP held?

YAP campers are housed at Cambridge Hall, a private dormitory near Texas A&M with suite-style accommodations. YAP is a residential camp—campers stay all week.

When is YAP held?

Our YAP 2026 sessions and dates are listed below. We plan to announce YAP 2027 sessions and courses towards the end of 2026, but we anticipate that they will stay similar to last year’s courses with a few new additions.

YAP TAMU: June 28 – July 2, 2026 (rising 12th graders only)

  • Attending Texas A&M University

 

YAP A: July 5 – 10, 2026 (rising 9th–12th graders)

  • BioForce (must be 15 or older)
    Experimental Science (must be 15 or older)
    Law School
    Kinesiology & Sports Science (must be 15 or older)
    Oceanography & Meteorology
    VizKids: Character Design *NEW for YAP 2026*

 

YAP B: July 12 – 17, 2026 (rising 7th–10th graders)

  • Engineering Design: Spark!
    Entomology
    LIVE Lab: VR & Game Design *NEW for YAP 2026*
    Performance Theatre
    Veterinary Medicine (must be 13 or older)

YAP C: July 19 – 24, 2026 (rising 9th–12th graders)

  • Biotechnology (must be 15 or older)
    Engineering Design: Mechanics! *NEW for YAP 2026*
    Investigative Forensics
    Psychological Sciences *NEW for YAP 2026*
    Smash Chemistry (must be 15 or older)
    VizKids: Digital Painting *NEW for YAP 2026*

When is YAP check-in?

Check-in runs from 3:30–5:30 p.m. on each session’s start day. Families receive a 30-minute arrival window. Early check-in is not allowed.

How much does YAP cost?

Tuition: $1,299 (all sessions)
Includes housing, meals, materials, transport, instruction, t-shirt, and activities. Optional spending money may be brought.

Payment: $399 deposit at registration. Remaining balance paid in 3 monthly installments (March–May).
Refunds: Full refunds until March 1. Later refunds only if a replacement is found.

Are scholarships available?

Yes! A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. Scholarship applications will open with registration on February 1st, 2027. To join our scholarship application list, please email yap@tamu.edu 

Who teaches YAP courses?

University professors and professionals teach YAP courses, blending lectures, discussion, and hands-on activities.

What is an average day like in YAP?

Classes: 9–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–3 p.m.
Activities:

  • Rec Center (swimming, sports)
  • Scavenger hunts
  • Evenings out
  • Team competitions

How do I register for YAP?

Register online. Space is limited. Once the deposit is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Waitlists are available if a class is full.

How do I get to YAP?

Most students are dropped off between 3:30–5:30 p.m. by a guardian. Contact us if your student will drive themselves.

Can air transportation and airport pickup be arranged?

Yes! Contact yap@tamu.edu to complete the required travel form.

Still have questions? Contact Us