For the third consecutive year, we’re opening doors for university students passionate about geospatial, surveying, mapping, and 3D technology. Our Geo Empower Event Scholarship, launched to support students who want to apply these tools toward social and environmental good, is now accepting applications for our 2027 program, and it comes with an expanded vision for workforce development across the industry.
Recipients of the scholarship receive a full conference pass to Geo Week, complimentary hotel accommodation, a travel stipend, and onsite mentorship opportunities. Our goal is simple but ambitious: remove every financial barrier that might keep a promising student from accessing one of the most impactful geospatial conferences in the world.
A Direct Response to a Growing Talent Gap
The scholarship was born out of a pressing reality. Demand for geospatial talent is growing faster than the pipeline of qualified graduates entering the field, and the gap is widening. For us, the scholarship represents one of the most direct ways we can invest in closing it.
“The GEO Empower Scholarship has connected us with some of the most talented and passionate students in the geospatial field, and we are proud to grow this program as part of our workforce development initiatives,” said Lora Burns, Senior Marketing Manager at Geo Week. “Students who attend Geo Week are exposed to one of the largest and most impactful geospatial conferences in the world, and we need the next generation to physically be there in-person to connect with opportunities, ideas, and hands-on product demos that will define their careers.”
Our emphasis on in-person attendance is intentional. We believe that the connections made on the tradeshow floor, the sessions attended, and the hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools are what truly shape a student’s trajectory in the field. A scholarship that covers travel, lodging, and admission ensures that opportunity is not limited to those who can already afford it.
From Scholarship to Broader Workforce Initiative
What began as a scholarship program has grown into something larger. The Geo Empower Scholarship is now the cornerstone of our broader Workforce Development Initiatives, a formal effort to address the geospatial talent pipeline gap at multiple levels.
Central to this expansion is our newly formed Geo Week Workforce Development Committee, a volunteer advisory body made up of geospatial professionals, educators, and advocates. The committee will help shape how we engage with students and emerging talent, guiding content, career development opportunities, and student outreach efforts.
Industry organizations also have a role to play. Through tiered Workforce Development Sponsorships, companies can deepen their commitment to workforce development by directly sustaining and expanding the Geo Empower Scholarship. We’ve created a structured pathway for the industry to invest in its own future workforce.
Who Should Apply and How
We’re seeking applications from students currently enrolled at a U.S. university who are passionate about applying geospatial technology toward positive social and environmental impacts. Selected recipients will join us at Geo Week with all major costs covered and will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, attend sessions, and be recognized at a scholarship presentation onsite.
Applications are due October 30, 2026. We’ll see you February 23–25, 2027 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Full eligibility requirements and application details are available on the Geo Empower Event Scholarship page at Geo Empower Event Scholarship | Geo Week.
