State of the Map US season is upon us! This year, OpenStreetMap US is proud to continue providing scholars from a wide range of disciplines, backgrounds, and communities the opportunity to participate in our annual conference.
State of the Map US is an opportunity for OpenStreetMap professionals, hobbyists, and enthusiasts to connect, learn from, and collaborate with each other – this year in Boston, Massachusetts from June 19-21, 2025! As a scholar, you’ll get the chance to participate in networking opportunities, listen to talks on developments and projects within the OSM community, and join additional gatherings and special events.
Hear from some of last year’s scholars about their experience:
“In each workshop, without exaggeration, I learn something new. A new perspective or use case for OSM, a new relationship that can be formed between government data and community data, even considering what value authority is! It can get very philosophical, humorous, endearing, mind-blowing, compelling.”
“The organizers worked really hard and did a fantastic job to put this conference together. The workload was light and engaging, so I had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sessions and meet new people even while volunteering.”
OpenStreetMap US is fortunate to have support from our conference sponsors and OSM US members to make these scholarships available. We try our best to make this conference financially accessible for all who are interested in attending, so please apply if the cost is prohibitive to your participation. Similarly, we welcome OSM enthusiasts of all stripes. Whether you would consider yourself an advanced or very beginner mapper, we would love to welcome you to Boston. You can read more about eligibility requirements and other details below.
Scholarship Details
Scholarship recipients may receive:
- Support towards the cost of your travel, based on your location (up to $500 reimbursement)
- Complimentary lodging for 3 nights in the Boston University dorms
- A conference ticket to State of the Map US 2025
- Admittance to special gatherings and opportunities
We ask that scholars commit to either give one lightning talk, or complete two volunteer shifts during State of the Map US (you are also welcome to submit a proposal for a longer talk when the Call for Proposals opens). Feel free to invite your friends and fellow mappers to apply for a scholarship, and take plenty of photos to share on your social media channels! We may also ask that you write a guest blog post about your experience at the conference.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone is welcome to apply for a scholarship to State of the Map US 2025. The goal of the scholarship program is to encourage diversity within our community and mitigate costs that would have otherwise prohibited a scholar’s attendance. We are especially interested in supporting members of the following groups:
- Educators
- Recent high school graduates that are members of a youth organization (such as FFA, 4H, NHS, Boy/Girl Scouts)
- Current or recent university/college students, especially those that are members of geography or geospatial-focused student groups
- Individuals that are community organizers or members of a community-based organization (outside of OpenStreetMap)
- Individuals that are members or provide leadership for local OSM US communities.
How Do I Apply?
Complete this application form! Scholars needing visas must submit their application by December 31, 2024. Scholars who do not need visas can have their application in by January 31, 2025. The selection committee hopes to notify recipients in mid-February.
A Request to Applicants
Every year, we receive hundreds of applications that are reviewed by a small team of staff and volunteers. We ask for your patience through the review process. We will notify EVERYONE if they are accepted or not in a timely manner. Please do not email us asking about the status of your application, these emails slow down the process for everyone.
Questions?
If you have questions about the application process, please feel free to contact us at scholarship@stateofthemap.us.
