Apply: Scholars
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.
Applications for the 2026 OTF program will open in Spring 2026, and you are welcome to complete our General Interest Form to be notified when the application goes live.
Scholar Applications Open: 12 March 2026
Scholar Application Deadline: 7 May 2026
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
- 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