The Office for Latin American Programs (OLAP) assists in identifying academic, research, and outreach opportunities in Latin America. Working with the academic units, OLAP facilitates research and education collaborations for faculty and students. The mission of OLAP is accomplished through faculty and student development, research support, hosting of visitors from Latin America, and the establishment and maintenance of a network of former students, government agencies, and academic institutions throughout Latin America. The Office for Latin American Programs also oversees the management and operation of the Texas A&M University's Center in Mexico.

A key faculty development program that OLAP administers along with the staff at the Mexico Center, is the annual Faculty Abroad Seminar (FAS) to Mexico. The FAS promotes collaborative research and teaching efforts between faculty from Texas A&M and academic, business, and governmental entities in Mexico and allows participating faculty members to develop a better understanding of Mexico through direct experience. The Office for Latin American Programs also supports student programs at the University by mentoring various international student associations. OLAP also provides services to faculty interested in building contacts and developing research projects in Latin America. Working closely with the Office of the Vice President for Research, OLAP has assisted in developing an important collaboration with Mexico's National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT). An agreement signed with CONACYT in April 2001, promotes collaboration between faculty, researchers, and students from Texas A&M and Mexico, primarily in areas which create partnerships between the University, industry, and government. Through these strategic partnerships, the agreement seeks to impact the economic development of Mexico and Texas by means of innovative research and increased technology in the industrial sector.

Another important function of the Office for Latin American Programs is the hosting of academicians and dignitaries from Latin American countries. Over the last five years, OLAP has played an instrumental role in bringing to Texas A&M five presidents from Latin America. In April 2002, His Excellency Jorge F. Quiroga, President of the Republic of Bolivia and the first Aggie Head of State, visited campus to receive the Outstanding International Alumnus Award. In May 2006, His Excellency Matín Torrijos Espino, President of the Republic of Panama, was a Commencement speaker for the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Science.

Many of these visits are made possible through the network of former students in Latin America. OLAP continuously builds the network of former students and also works to create and maintain a large network of contacts within academic institutions and government agencies in Latin America. Through the efforts of the Office for Latin American Programs, Texas A&M has notable relationships in Mexico with the Ministries of Agriculture, Defense, and Education and with the National Council of Science and Technology (the equivalent to the National Science Foundation in the United States).