USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program Announces 2026 EDMAP Funding Opportunity
Calling all U.S. geoscience faculty interested in geologic mapping! The USGS EDMAP program is now accepting proposals to support graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in mentor-guided geologic mapping projects.
WHO: Faculty and adjunct faculty in geoscience and related departments at accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. and its territories can request EDMAP funding to support graduate and upper-level undergraduate students for a one- to two-year, mentor-guided geologic mapping project. Proposals may be collaborative in nature, involving multiple co-PIs from different institutions.
WHAT: EDMAP, the educational component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, provides funding for geoscience students to receive training in the skills needed to become professional geologic mappers. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, EDMAP students complete a field experience as part of a larger Field-Focused or Data Synthesis geologic mapping project, through which they produce their own, first-authored geologic map.
WHEN:
- Proposals for fiscal year 2026 are due by 5:00PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
- Applicants may propose a Period of Performance between 12-24 months.
- The target for the earliest possible project start date is August 1, 2026, but actual start dates may be subject to change based on proposal review and processing time.
- On Friday, March 27, 2026, the EDMAP team will host a webinar on Microsoft Teams to outline the proposal process and provide opportunities to ask questions.
- “EDMAP office hours” Teams sessions will be held every 1-2 weeks following the webinar, for applicants to ask additional questions about their proposal. Email EDMAP@usgs.gov to request the webinar link and office hours schedule.
WHERE: The proposing institution and the proposed study area(s) must be located within the United States or U.S. Territories. Since 1996, EDMAP has trained more than 1,500 student mappers at over 177 different universities, located across 46 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.
WHY: Students participating in the EDMAP program are trained in modern geologic mapping techniques, which are essential for jobs in geologic surveying and highly valuable in many more geoscience professions. EDMAP students can build collaborative relationships with geologists not only across academia but also in state and Federal government. Surveyed participants consider the program to be a rewarding opportunity and one that was enjoyable and highly valuable to their careers.
Geologic maps produced through EDMAP also contribute to national geologic mapping priorities, with many students going above and beyond to publish their maps through the local state geological survey.
HOW:
- The eligible faculty member(s) serve as the Principal Investigator(s) and write a proposal based on the requirements in the FY2026 EDMAP Notice of Funding Opportunity, available now on grants.gov.
- Proposals may request up to \$25,000 per primary undergraduate student mapper per year and up to \$45,000 per primary graduate student mapper per year, for up to two years.
- Every dollar requested from EDMAP must be matched 1:1 by the proposing institution
- Each primary student mapper must produce their own first-author geologic map deliverable.
- A review panel, consisting of university faculty, State Geologists, and USGS geologists, evaluates all submitted proposals and determines which ones will be awarded.
- To view more details and apply, follow this link, OR visit Grants.gov and search for Funding Opportunity Number G26AS00012 or the keyword “EDMAP”.
QUESTIONS? Contact the EDMAP Team by emailing EDMAP@usgs.gov!
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Click the links to learn more about the EDMAP program.
EDMAP
Best Student Geologic Map Competition at the Geological Society of America (GSA) Connects Annual Meeting
Related
Click the links to learn more about the EDMAP program.
EDMAP