United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation Announces New University Scholarship and Awards Programs

July 22, 2004

OAK HILL, Va. – The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) today took several steps forward in pursuit of its academic objectives by announcing its University Scholarship Program and Awards Program.
As part of this year’s University Scholarship Program, the USGIF will award three $5,000 scholarships to recognize promising achievers in graduate studies in a field related to the geospatial intelligence tradecraft. In the future, the Foundation plans to also grant scholarships to undergraduate students as well as graduating high school students who pursue college or university academic programs related to geospatial intelligence. The deadline for scholarship applications is August 20, 2004.

“We pursue our academic mission with the same determination as our homeland and national security missions,” said K. Stuart Shea, chairman of the board of directors, USGIF. “By supporting education at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, we are helping to provide for the future of the geospatial intelligence tradecraft.

The USGIF will now sponsor three Award Programs to recognize influential and innovative members of the geospatial intelligence community. The annual Geospatial Academic Achievement Award commends the achievements of the top graduate of a nationally recognized Geospatial Intelligence academic program as well as the organization that demonstrates the top geospatial intelligence program or project. The Geospatial Intelligence Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement in the tradecraft by an individual or team from each of three sectors: government, industry, and military. The USGIF Lifetime Achievement Award is presented, upon selection by the USGIF board, to an influential member of the geospatial intelligence community.

Foundation members, directors, federal, state, and local government organizations, and academic institutions can submit nominations via the USGIF web site (www.usgif.org). The closing date for all 2004 Awards Program nominations is August 20.

Collectively, these programs will reward and recognize the substantive achievements of a variety of individuals and organizations, from promising high school graduates and top-performing undergraduate and graduate students to high-achieving corporate and government teams and individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of leadership in the geospatial intelligence field.

Additionally, the Foundation is working to develop a Geospatial Intelligence Certificate Program as a continuing education program for geospatial intelligence professionals. Further information on this program is expected to be released soon.

“Our goal is to increase young peoples’ interest and success in geospatial intelligence, while also recognizing professional contributions,” said Shea. “We are pleased to reflect our commitment to the tradecraft’s current and future strength through these programs.”

The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation is a Virginia-based nonstock, not-for-profit corporation that is applying for a Section 501©(3) tax-exempt status. The foundation is dedicated to promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft and developing a stronger community of interest between government, industry, academic and professional organizations and individuals who share a mission focus around the development and application of geospatial intelligence data and geo-processing resources to address national security objectives. For more information on the foundation, visit www.usgif.org.

The USGIF will host a national GEOINT 2004 symposium October 12-14 in New Orleans, at which key members of the Geospatial intelligence community are expected to attend and exhibit. The symposium will assess how geospatial technologies can further the National and Homeland Security agendas. For more information on GEOINT 2004, visit www.geoint2004.com.

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