The Educational Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

The FY 2025 EDMAP Program, under the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP), funds educational partnerships to support geologic mapping training for students, primarily through projects that involve geologic mapping and data synthesis. This program was re-authorized by the 2021 Infrastructure and Jobs Investment Act to meet updated geological mapping needs for the nation, including 2D and 3D maps at detailed and intermediate scales. The application process opened on October 1, 2024, and proposals are due by January 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET. The EDMAP Program’s objectives are to train future geologic mappers and enhance the mapping and research capacity at U.S. academic institutions. The program supports undergraduate and graduate students who conduct field-based geologic mapping or data synthesis to address various national, state, and tribal geologic needs. Proposals must demonstrate alignment with NCGMP priorities, such as the systematic mapping of the nation's geologic framework and collaboration with relevant geological surveys or USGS-led projects. Proposals must also detail mentorship and field experiences, which are mandatory for both field-focused and data synthesis projects. Funding is capped at $45,000 per year for each primary graduate student and $25,000 per year for each undergraduate, with a maximum of 24 months of support available per project. EDMAP requires a 1:1 funding match, and up to 50% of the match or funding request may cover student tuition. Institutions may contribute through financial, volunteer, or in-kind support. However, federal funds or donations are not accepted for matching. Proposals must meet both direct and indirect cost matching requirements, with the indirect cost rate capped at 18% of total direct costs. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based universities with relevant geoscience departments. The principal investigator, typically a professor, must submit the application and be responsible for project oversight. Only one proposal per investigator is allowed, but institutions may submit multiple proposals from different investigators. Students involved must not exceed 36 months of cumulative EDMAP funding over their academic careers. Proposal submissions require a range of documents, including a proposal cover sheet, project abstract, detailed budget, letters of support from state geological surveys or USGS project leads, and a data management plan. Proposals are evaluated on coordination, scientific justification, technical quality, mentorship plan, and budget appropriateness. Projects selected for funding must produce a final technical report and geologic map(s), submitted within 90 days of project completion. Proposals are submitted through Grants.gov, and it is advised that institutions allow ample time for electronic submission due to system complexities. Selected projects are expected to begin between May and September 2025, pending fund availability from the USGS budget allocations. This program emphasizes federal requirements for data quality, open access, and compliance with applicable geospatial and ethical standards.