The Educational Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

Background
The Educational Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (EDMAP) is a program under the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) aimed at training the next generation of geologic mappers. Re-authorized in 2021 by the Infrastructure and Jobs Investment Act, this program provides funding for undergraduate and graduate student research projects that encompass all activities related to the creation of geologic maps.

The EDMAP component seeks to enhance the educational capacity of academic programs teaching Earth sciences, thereby expanding research capabilities in geologic mapping and analysis of various data types. Since its inception, EDMAP has funded over 1,501 students from more than 177 universities, reflecting its commitment to fostering expertise in geologic mapping.

Grant Details
EDMAP supports two main types of proposals: Field-Focused Projects and Data Synthesis Projects.

Field-Focused Projects require students to generate geologic maps at detailed or intermediate scales (between 1:24,000 and <1:250,000) based on extensive field mapping. Data Synthesis Projects involve using innovative technologies and computational tools to produce geologic maps that address contemporary geological questions.

All proposals must include a mentored field experience related to geologic mapping and must generate a geologic map as a deliverable. Proposals can request funding up to $45,000 per year for graduate students and $25,000 per year for undergraduate students, with a maximum total request of $90,000 for 24 months for graduate students and $50,000 for 24 months for undergraduate students. Each proposal must demonstrate a 1:1 Federal/Institution funding match.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. universities with geoscience or related departments. Proposals must be submitted by university professors; supported students cannot submit proposals themselves. Graduate (Master’s and Doctoral) students and upper-level undergraduate students (juniors and seniors) are eligible for funding.

A Principal Investigator may have no more than two active EDMAP Awards at any time, and previous awardees must be in good standing with no delinquent deliverables.

Period of Performance
Proposals may request funding for a project period ranging from 12 to 24 months.

Grant Value
Funding requests can be up to $45,000 per year for each graduate student primary mapper (maximum $90,000 for 24 months) and up to $25,000 per year for each undergraduate primary mapper (maximum $50,000 for 24 months).

Place of Performance
Projects must be conducted within the United States or U.S. Territories.