AAPG STUDENT CENTER

Accelerate your future career by becoming an AAPG Student Member.

Set yourself up for success by joining a community of individuals whose shared passion for advancing global energy drives their careers. Expand your knowledge and network by becoming an AAPG Student Member today.

Why Join?

When you become a student member at AAPG, you're gaining access to unparalleled industry resources that help you invest in your future career. Through free educational workshops, webinars, events, and networking opportunities with industry-leading experts, your membership will help you hone the technical skills needed and create professional and mentor connections so you can land your next career opportunity. Ready to join the fun?

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AAPG Student Programs, Honors & Awards

Imperial Barrel Award

AAPG’s Imperial Barrel Award (IBA) is a global competition where graduate students analyze real‑world subsurface data and present to industry experts—gaining hands‑on experience, feedback, and the chance to earn recognition and scholarship funds for their university.

Sustainable Development in Energy Competition

The Sustainable Development in Energy Competition (SDEC) invites university students to develop innovative solutions that support energy development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This global event encourages collaboration, creative thinking, and real-world impact.

Distinguished Lecture Series

The Distinguished Lecture Series is an AAPG program led by subject matter experts from industry-leading companies and universities who present abstracts and lead discussions on timely geological findings, discoveries, new trends, and more. The series is available to watch on-demand, but you can also request that a distinguished lecturer present as a guest at your school or university.

Student Grants and Sholarships

Field Camp Scholarship

The AAPG Foundation Field Camp Scholarship program provides eligible and deserving undergraduate geoscience students with a one-time $3,000 grant to fund their geoscience degree or research.

Grants-in-Aid

The AAPG Foundation’s Grants-in-Aid program supports graduate students conducting thesis research related to energy resource development or environmental geology, awarding merit- and need-based grants to help advance their academic and professional goals. The Grants-in-Aid program is under development, and will return in 2027.

Military Veterans Scholarship

The Deana and Paul Strunk Military Veterans Scholarship Program supports education and career opportunities for veterans, aids in the transition of veterans to educational and civilian technical professions, and promotes geoscience programs in higher education institutions.

No. You may join your local AAPG student chapter without AAPG membership. However, to sit on a Student Chapter Executive Committee (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, etc.) or to be counted as a member, you must maintain Active AAPG membership. Please check with your local AAPG Student Chapter for membership requirements.

No, you do not need to be part of a student chapter to join AAPG as a student member. Student membership is open to anyone pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in geology or related field.

No, there is no cost to participate in a student chapter.

You must have at least six active AAPG Student Members ready to join your student chapter, as well as a faculty advisor who is a Full Member or Associate Member of AAPG. Your student chapter must also enlist an Executive Committee. The roles within the Executive Committee are President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. These individuals will be the leaders within your student chapter and serve as points of contact between your student chapter and AAPG staff. Questions? Contact [email protected].

Get started here

Student Chapters

AAPG student chapters foster local connection and engagement at universities and colleges around the world. Getting involved in a student chapter is a great way to connect with others who share your passion, gain hands-on experience through community projects, and build lasting friendships.

If there’s an AAPG student chapter at your college or university, you can find it here. Or, scroll down to the FAQ section to find out how to start a student chapter at your college or university.

FIND A STUDENT CHAPTER

Student Chapter FAQ

Learn how to join or start a student chapter at your college or university. If you have questions, please reach out to the AAPG Programs Team for additional information.

Here are a few tips to ensure the success of your student chapter.

  • Set specific and realistic goals annually
  • Hold meetings regularly
  • Maintain active AAPG Student Memberships (required for leadership positions only)
  • Share your stories: We want to hear about your community service, unique events, and any photos or videos of your chapter at work or play. Send us an email to [email protected] and you could be featured in a social media ‘shout-out’ or an issue of the AAPG Explorer.

Additionally, Student Chapters are required to submit an Annual Report due 1 February to remain affiliated with the AAPG.

By 30 April each year, you must submit an Annual Report to update the AAPG on your chapter’s leadership roster, membership, and the year’s activity. This is required to keep your chapter active. For questions regarding the Annual Report, contact [email protected].

Submit annual report

AAPG Foundation

Supporting the next generation of geoscientists

The AAPG Foundation has a proud history of supporting students along their journey to becoming leaders in geoscience. Donations to the Foundation provide a variety of grants, programs and honors that can help students like you excel, in school and far beyond!