Apply: Scholars

A group sits at a round table listening to one member speak at GSA Annual Meeting.
OTF participants at the GSA 2019 Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.

Apply to be an OTF Scholar

Applying is easy. Simply determine your eligibility and complete the online application.

For further assistance in the application process, please refer to the OTF Scholar Application Guide.

 

Scholar Applications Open: 13 March 2025
Scholar Application Deadline: 6 May 2025

 

For more funding opportunities to GSA Connects, please visit the Travel Grants & Awards Page.

 

What OTF Offers:

  • Financial support to attend GSA Connects in the form of travel funding, meeting registration, and GSA membership.
  • An opportunity to connect with Geoscience professionals and make meaningful mentor relationships.
  • The chance to network and find community amongst other OTF scholars and build social capital.
  • Participation in OTF field-trips, mentor meetings, and OTF Workshop events.
 

What OTF Expects:

  • Active participation in program events, including the OTF Saturday Workshop
  • Open and learning mindset to contribute to a safe-space for OTF scholars
  • Feedback in the form of survey responses and personal essays for the OTF program post-Connects
  • Commitment to engaging in mentorship and networking opportunities
 

Eligibility

Preference will be given to undergraduate/graduate students at an accredited North American institution or recent college graduates who reside in North America. (Recent graduates will have received their most recent degree no longer than 5 years ago.)

 

Application Details

Application Questions:

  • If selected to OTF, can you commit to participation in the program for 4 years?
  • Explain your academic and professional goals and how your attendance to the GSA Connects meeting will help you reach these goals.
  • Describe your financial need and explain your plan to find additional funds to support your travel to the GSA Connects meeting.
  • Please explain if you have encountered any challenges in your geoscience path and how you have responded to those challenges.
  • How do you anticipate this award will help you overcome barriers in your geoscience professional journey?
  • What unique outlook have your challenges or experiences given you that you can bring to the OTF program?
  • How would receiving this award enable you to pursue opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible?
  • If awarded, you will choose a mentor to meet with during the meeting. What are your expectations for your mentoring experience such as advice on academic or career trajectory, navigating the meeting, networking, resume/cv advice, research, or other expectations you may have?

One Letter of Recommendation

 

OTF Contact:

Samira Rosario Martinez
CPE Program Coordinator
+1-303-357-1023
srmartinez@geosociety.org