The Geological Society of America’s On To the Future (OTF) program is its premier effort to engage geoscience scholars to:
- join GSA;
- support attendance at GSA Connects annual conferences with travel funding, meeting registration, and GSA membership;
- provide professional mentorship;
- network, find community, and build social capital within the geosciences discipline;
- and participate in special sessions with GSA leadership during the meeting.
In addition, the On To the Future program provides opportunities for geosciences professionals across all employment sectors (private sector, public sector, academia) and career stages to contribute their expertise as mentors to OTF scholars.
Initiated in 2013 with support from the GSA President, Council, and Foundation, the program formed part of GSA's 125th anniversary celebrations. With funding from individual members and donors, corporate sponsors, and GSA’s Sections, Divisions, and Associated Societies, and the National Science Foundation (NSF), OTF will continue to support geoscience scholars and mentors to attend GSA Connects annual conferences.