WHO: Geoscience or related faculty or adjunct faculty at U.S. universities can request EDMAP funding to support upper-level undergraduate and graduate students at their colleges or universities for a one-year, mentor-guided geologic mapping or data synthesis project. Proposals may be collaborative in nature, involving more than one institution.  

WHAT: EDMAP is an interactive and meaningful program for university students that provides education and training in the skills needed to become modern geologic mappers.  It is a matching-funds grant program and is one of the primary components of the congressionally mandated National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program.  

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New in Fiscal Year 2022 are two types of projects that qualify for EDMAP funding: Field-Focused and Data Synthesis. Field-Focused Projects are those that generate a geologic map, displaying specific geological strata or rock units, based on extensive mentored field mapping. Data Synthesis Projects are those that use computational tools or other innovative technologies, such as machine learning, smartphone applications, modeling, and remote sensing to solve an earth science problem. Data Synthesis Projects also require the production of a geologic map and a mentored field experience. This option is intended to increase the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility of EDMAP to students and universities that might not otherwise have access to participate in a geologic mapping project.  

WHEN: Proposals for fiscal year 2022 are due January 3, 2022. Apply on Grants.gov and search for Funding Opportunity Number G22AS00060 or keyword “EDMAP”.  

WHERE: So far, EDMAP has benefited over 170 universities and more than 1,370 students from geoscience departments across the nation.  

WHY: Students participating in the EDMAP Program receive training and first-hand field experience in geologic mapping and skills useful in many geoscience fields and professions.  

Every federal dollar that is awarded is matched with university funds. EDMAP is invaluable not only because it contributes to national geologic mapping efforts but also because it helps fund academic research, thoroughly prepares and trains students for real-world careers in the geosciences and gives participants a competitive edge in the job market.  

EDMAP geoscience professors and their students frequently work closely with State Geological Surveys and USGS geologists.  

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Student work contributes to geologic mapping of the United States.  

Surveyed participants consider the program to be a great opportunity and one that was enjoyable and highly valuable to their careers.  

HOW:  University professors must draft a proposal based on the criteria outlined in the FY2022 EDMAP Program Announcement, available now on grants.gov. Cooperative agreements are awarded based on a dollar-for-dollar match through an annual, competitive proposal process. Per-project funding limits this fiscal year are $35,000 for each primary graduate student mapper and $25,000 for each primary undergraduate mapper. Each primary student mapper will be required to produce a map deliverable. A peer-review panel consisting of university faculty, State Geologists, and USGS representatives determines which proposals will be awarded cooperative agreements. Apply on Grants.gov and search for Funding Opportunity Number G22AS00060 or keyword “EDMAP”.