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Geo-Launchpad

UNAVCO INC

Foundation Annual Grants for EducationSTEM Education GrantsEarth Science GrantsWorkforce Development Grants
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Funding Amount

$500,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Geo-Launchpad Program

Overview: A program that prepares community college students for transfer to four-year universities to pursue academic studies in geosciences.

Program Details:

  • Provides paid summer student internships for community college students

  • Offers academic coursework support

  • Provides support for faculty mentors

  • Collaborative effort between UNAVCO and Front Range Community College

  • Program will expand to include New Mexico and Wyoming (as of 2021)

    • Geographic Scope: Colorado, and expanding to New Mexico and Wyoming

    Funding: NSF Award of $500,000 (announced November 2021) to support operations through 2024

    Impact Statistics:

  • Since 2015: Supported over 30 Colorado students

  • Engaged almost 50 faculty members

    • Program Features:

  • Summer internships working with USGS and other program partners

  • Students present project results at national scientific conferences

  • Faculty Whole Student Mentoring program providing mentoring resources and career guidance

  • Student internships build skills in research and geoscience applications

    • Past Project Examples:

  • Using GPS to measure local glaciers

  • Evaluating accuracy of terrestrial laser scanners

  • Digitizing and archiving geological samples and historical collections

  • Creating recommended practices for geological data preservation

    • Contact: geolaunchpad@unavco.org

    Background: Program started in 2015 as a collaborative workforce development initiative.

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Students interested in applying for summer internships should:
    1. Visit the Student Internships page for application details
    2. Submit application materials
    3. Be currently enrolled or recently completed at a community college
    4. Express interest in geosciences and STEM fields

    Note: Specific application deadlines and detailed requirements are referenced on the Student Internships page but not detailed in the provided text.

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    educationstem-educationearth-scienceworkforce-developmentcollege-prep

    Categories

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