GIS Colorado Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by GIS Colorado

Dr. Pete Magee Memorial Scholarship — GIS Colorado

Description
**Overview**
The Dr. Pete Magee Memorial Scholarship, offered by GIS Colorado, recognizes student achievement in geospatial technologies and honors the legacy of Dr. Pete Magee. The award supports students working with GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS, and related disciplines and is open to both undergraduate and graduate students at accredited Colorado institutions. This year’s program will provide multiple monetary scholarships and professional benefits to successful applicants. The scholarship aims to advance practical learning and research in geospatial fields across Colorado colleges and universities.
Key takeaways:
- Honors Dr. Pete Magee and supports geospatial education.
- Open to undergraduate and graduate students in geospatial fields.
- Supports practical learning and research in GIS, remote sensing, GPS, and related disciplines.
- Available to students attending accredited Colorado institutions.

Eligibility
**Who can apply**
Eligibility differentiates undergraduate and graduate awards by the scope of work: undergraduate awards emphasize demonstrated application of geospatial tools and support for learning, while graduate awards focus on original, independent research using GIS knowledge. Applicant status (undergraduate or graduate) is determined by the applicant’s highest level of completed education and is finalized by the Scholarship Committee and GIS Colorado Board. Applicants must attend an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or graduate program located in Colorado, either as a resident student or as an online student affiliated with a Colorado institution. Winners must be confirmed as enrolled (full- or part-time) in the fall semester to receive scholarship funds.
Key takeaways:
- Undergraduate awards: applied geospatial work and learning focus.
- Graduate awards: original, research-oriented GIS work.
- Status based on highest completed education; final decision by the Scholarship Committee.
- Must attend an accredited Colorado institution (resident or online).
- Fall enrollment required to receive funds.

Award Value and Benefits
**What recipients receive**
Recipients will receive a monetary scholarship (amounts awarded are set by GIS Colorado) plus professional development benefits designed to connect students with the geospatial community. All winners receive a one-year GIS Colorado membership to access events, networking, and resources. Students who present their winning projects at the Elevations Geospatial Summit (poster or presentation) will have their conference registration fees covered by GIS Colorado. The combination of financial support and professional access is intended to accelerate students’ academic and career progress in geospatial fields.
Key takeaways:
- Monetary scholarship awarded (amounts set by GIS Colorado).
- One-year GIS Colorado membership included for each recipient.
- Registration fees covered for winners who present at the Elevations Geospatial Summit.
- Benefits combine financial support with professional development opportunities.

How to Apply
**Submission process**
Applications for the 2026 GIS Colorado Scholarship open on May 5, 2026 and must be submitted via the online application form. After completing your application, instruct your references to submit recommendation letters through the same online form; letters must be submitted by the author. Note: a Gmail address is required to access and fill out the application form. Check the GIS Colorado website or the application portal for any additional process details or changes.
Key takeaways:
- Applications open starting May 5, 2026 (apply via online form).
- References must submit letters through the online form; letters submitted by authors only.
- A Gmail address is required to complete the application.
- Confirm portal details and any deadlines on the GIS Colorado site.

Application Requirements
**Required materials and file formats**
Applicants must submit a completed online application plus the following materials in PDF or linked format: (1) Transcript showing current GPA (unofficial copies acceptable) — filename: [LastName]_[FirstInitial]_Transcript.pdf; (2) A single graphic that tells the story of your project (map, poster, diagram, screenshot, or a page with a web map/website link) that is your individual work; submit as PDF or a link — filename: [LastName]_[FirstInitial]_Graphic.pdf; and (3) Two letters of recommendation submitted by the referees in PDF format via the online form. Ensure each file follows the naming conventions and format requirements before uploading.
Key takeaways:
- Transcript (PDF, unofficial OK) with filename [LastName]_[FirstInitial]_Transcript.pdf.
- One graphic (PDF or link) showing your project; must be individual work; filename [LastName]_[FirstInitial]_Graphic.pdf.
- Two recommendation letters submitted by referees via the online form (PDF).
- Verify file formats and naming conventions before upload.

Mapping Contest
**Optional entry for applicants**
Applicants to the scholarship are also eligible to enter the GIS Colorado Mapping Contest. You may reuse the same map and essay submitted with your scholarship application for the contest entry. Participating in the contest provides an additional opportunity for recognition and exposure of your geospatial work. Check contest rules and submission details on the GIS Colorado site.
Key takeaways:
- Scholarship applicants are eligible for the Mapping Contest.
- You may reuse your scholarship map and essay for the contest.
- The contest offers additional recognition and exposure.
- Confirm contest rules and deadlines on the GIS Colorado website.

History of the Award
**Legacy and purpose**
The scholarship is named in memory of Dr. Pete Magee and exists to perpetuate his commitment to geospatial education and professional development. It was established to encourage student achievement and to provide practical support for those pursuing GIS and related disciplines. The award reflects GIS Colorado’s ongoing investment in building the next generation of geospatial professionals in the state. Recipients become part of a community that values applied skills, research, and public engagement in geospatial science.
Key takeaways:
- Named in memory of Dr. Pete Magee to honor his contributions.
- Designed to encourage geospatial education and professional growth.
- Supports development of future geospatial professionals in Colorado.
- Connects recipients to the GIS Colorado community.

For deadlines, award amounts, and to submit an application or reference letter, visit the GIS Colorado scholarship page.