Welcome to the MSC Stark Northeast Tour

Former MSC Director J. Wayne Stark ’39 loved Texas A&M, and he wanted to challenge students to expand their horizons by sending them beyond their comfort zones to experience the world. He prized culture, diversity and art, and encouraged students to stretch beyond Texas borders. In 1970, Stark created the Northeast Tour, providing students the opportunity to visit top schools in the nation, tour premier American cities, and expand their personal Aggie network.

A Lasting Legacy

Over the years, the MSC Stark Northeast Tour has provided students the opportunity to visit US cities that are known as centers of trade, industry, finance, and law – including Chicago, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia – as well as tour top universities in those cities. This year, approximately 25 high-caliber students will explore public service in Washington, D.C., history in Philadelphia, arts in New York City, and culture in Boston. Each city visit also includes networking opportunities with former students in the area. After 50+ years, the Stark Northeast Tour has impacted the lives of more than 1000 student delegates and countless other individuals along the way, all while paving a path for expanded experiences in the present.

Explore and Expand Horizons

Hosted through MSC Programs, this tour provides delegates with the opportunity to visit premier institutions of higher education and experience city-centric excursions while also networking with former students at various receptions and events. Delegates will also be able to grow their connections with each other as they explore these iconic cities through both small and large group activities.

Cities: Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York, Boston
Institutions*: The Bush School DC, University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Harvard University
Excursions*: The Smithsonian/National Mall (DC), The Historic District (Philadelphia), a Broadway show (NY), Museum of Modern Art (NY), The Boston Ballet (Boston), and on-your-own or small group exploration in each city
Networking: Former student networking receptions in all four cities, in partnership with local former students and A&M clubs

* May be subject to change

Program Benefits

Students selected for the Stark Northeast Tour will experience the following through participation:

A greater understanding of the culture, impact, and opportunities for living, working, or furthering their education in each city;
A showcase of each cities’ unique influence in various sectors, including Public Service in Washington, D.C., History in Philadelphia, The Arts in New York, and Culture and Society in Boston;
Strengthening interpersonal communication skills when interacting with former students, professionals, and other individuals in a variety of settings;
Reflection of how each city may be able to support professional and personal goals in the future, including greater articulation of short-term career and education plans as part of those goals.

Program Details

Trip dates for the 2026-2027 Stark Northeast Tour are being finalized. Please check back in early Fall 2026 for details.

Trip Itinerary

Linked is the 2024 itinerary and will provide participants with a general overview of the trip. The 2026-27 trip will include similar visits and excursions, but will not be an exact replica of what is presented.

Download our sample itinerary

Photo of the Capital Building in Washingon, D.C.

Participant Fees

$2,100 per student**,
Plus “On-your-own” expenses*

Included in your participant fee:

Roundtrip airfare
Shuttle services
Seven nights in prime location hotels, all including breakfast
Broadway tickets
Boston Ballet tickets
MoMA tickets
Food and drink at four city receptions with former students
Train tickets from DC-Philly-NYC-Boston
Pre-paid subway/metro tickets in select cities

*On-Your-Own-Expenses

Most lunches and some dinners will be “on-your-own” to encourage city exploration, and will be at the expense of the participant.
Any excursions not included on the official itinerary will be at the expense of the participant.
Ubers and other forms of transportation outside of those provided through the trip will be at the expense of the participant.
Souvenirs and any other personal items purchased will be at the expense of the participant.

**Generous Support from Former Students and Donors

The total cost of the MSC Stark Northeast Tour is supplemented by generous gifts from former students and donors.
Each student pays approximately 50% of the total cost of their attendance, with the remaining 50% of their cost covered through these gifts.