Geo Week 2027 offers drone scholarships

Geo Week has opened applications for its GEO Empower Event Scholarship for university students. The program, now in its third year, aims to support workforce development in geospatial and drone fields.

Selected recipients will attend Geo Week 2027 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The scholarship covers major attendance costs.

Scholarship Benefits and Eligibility

Applications for the GEO Empower Event Scholarship are due October 30, 2026. The scholarship is open to students currently enrolled at universities in the United States who are interested in applying geospatial technology toward positive social and environmental impacts.

According to the source, selected students will receive a comprehensive package of benefits. This includes a full conference pass, complimentary hotel accommodations, and a travel stipend. They will also get onsite mentorship opportunities and access to conference sessions.

Opportunities to engage with industry leaders and recognition during an onsite scholarship presentation are also part of the package.

Lora Burns, Senior Marketing Manager at Geo Week, commented on the initiative. "The GEO Empower Scholarship has connected us with some of the most talented and passionate students in the geospatial field," Burns said. She stated the program is part of workforce development initiatives.

"Demand for geospatial talent is growing faster than qualified graduates entering the field," Burns added. "This scholarship is one of the most direct ways we can invest in closing that gap."

Workforce Development Initiatives Expand

The GEO Empower Scholarship is becoming a central component of Geo Week’s broader Workforce Development Initiatives. The effort now includes the creation of the Geo Week Workforce Development Committee.

This volunteer advisory group is composed of geospatial professionals, educators, and industry advocates. Committee members will help guide student engagement efforts, career development opportunities, educational content, and outreach to emerging professionals.

Geo Week is also introducing tiered Workforce Development Sponsorships. These are for industry organizations interested in supporting and expanding the scholarship program.

Attending Geo Week 2027

Selected scholarship recipients will attend Geo Week from February 23-25, 2027. The event will be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Recipients will have opportunities to participate in conference sessions. They can meet industry professionals and experience product demonstrations during the event.

Burns emphasized the value of in-person attendance. "Students who attend Geo Week are exposed to one of the largest and most impactful geospatial conferences in the world," she said. "We need the next generation to physically be there in-person to connect with opportunities, ideas, and hands-on product demos that will define their careers."

Geo Week brings together professionals working across geospatial and mapping technologies. The event’s conference program and tradeshow floor include industry presentations, case studies, technology demonstrations, and professional networking opportunities. Geo Week is produced by Geo Week News and is part of Diversified’s technology portfolio.