For the past ten years, OpenStreetMap US has had the pleasure of hosting scholars at State of the Map US. Each year, they bring invaluable knowledge, unique perspectives, and new opinions to the conference. This summer, we’re incredibly excited to welcome a new cohort to Madison, though it will look a bit different from past years.
We’re switching things up in 2026 for a few reasons. First, we’ve received feedback from past years’ scholars that the amount of monetary support previously given isn’t enough to cover all of their travel expenses. Second, we recognize that international travel to the United States is especially precarious right now, and an increasing number of international applicants require a level of logistical support that OpenStreetMap US is unable to provide with a small team.
So, What’s Different?
This year, we’ll be offering State of the Map US Fellowships. Fellows will be awarded more – up to $1000 USD in reimbursement to be used for travel and lodging expenses – and can spend their lodging reimbursement wherever they choose, such as a private room at the conference venue or shared lodging with other fellows or attendees. We’re also inviting fellows to get more involved; in past years, scholars were asked to volunteer during the conference and submit a session proposal. This year, we also ask that fellows get involved in the conference planning committee, which meets every few weeks over Zoom. The planning committee does invaluable work, such as reviewing submitted talks and planning social events.
This all comes with different eligibility requirements as well. For State of the Map US 2026:
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All fellows must travel to and from the conference from within the United States.
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Fellows requiring a visa to travel to the United States must already have that visa during the time of application, and it must remain valid throughout the conference.
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Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
Additional Information
If accepted, all 2026 fellows will be eligible to receive:
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A General Admission ticket to State of the Map US 2026, plus admission to all networking and social events.
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Up to $1000 USD in reimbursement for travel and lodging expenses (with valid receipts).
State of the Map US fellowships are not just available for students and those in the academic world (though they are certainly welcome to apply). Past scholarship recipients have included…
- Federal and public sector employees impacted by recent layoffs
- Those considering a career change
- Members of geospatial communities such as GeoChicas and Women in GIS
- Newcomers to the OpenStreetMap community
- Nonprofit employees
If you would like to join us at State of the Map US 2026 but find attending to be cost-prohibitive, we invite you to apply!
All applications are reviewed anonymously and scored based on the quality of answers provided, and we always make an effort to support those from underrepresented groups in the OpenStreetMap community. Applicants are not judged based on the volume of their OpenStreetMap contributions or tenure in the community.
Important Dates
January 5th: Fellowship application opens (that’s today!)
February 6th: Fellowship application closes
February 16th: Call for Proposals closes
Late February: Fellows notified
June 11-13th: State of the Map US 2026 in Madison!
Apply here →Each year, OpenStreetMap US receives hundreds of applications and inquiries regarding assistance to attend State of the Map US. We promise to do our best responding to all applicants in a timely manner, and ask that you refrain from emailing the planning team about the status of your application. These emails will go unanswered.
If you have additional questions, please email scholarships@stateofthemap.us!
