May 23, 2019 (Des Plaines, IL) -- In addition to meet-ups and networking events during GIS-Pro 2019 in New Orleans this Fall,  URISA's Vanguard Cabinet of Young Professionals has teamed up with leaders in the education community to organize a valuable program track titled " Inspiring the Future of GIS". which kicks off with a full-day "Preparing for GISP Certification" workshop.  Further, the VC is sponsoring a University Student and Young Professional Digital Competition, a Student Volunteer Program,  and a K-12 Poster Showcase. 

URISA is also pleased to announce the 2019 URISA Dr. Marilyn O'Hara Ruiz Young Professional Scholarship.

• University Student and Young Professional Competition: URISA’s Vanguard Cabinet is proud to host a Digital Competition to promote the GIS profession and attendance of young and emerging professionals at GIS-Pro 2019 in New Orleans. This competition will be held virtually on Friday, June 28, 2019. Participants must submit a 150 – 300 word abstract (due by Friday, June 7, 2019). Participants will be selected based on the demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in spatial analytics, cartographic design, and geospatial techniques. Selected presenters will present virtually on June 28. The top three presenters will receive a free GIS-Pro 2019 registration along with a travel stipend. They will also present their good work during the GIS-Pro 2019 Lightning Talks session on Tuesday, October 1, from 3:15-5:00 PM. For key dates, details, requirements and an abstract submission form, visit https://www.urisa.org/gispro-studentsyps.

• Student Volunteer Opportunities: A limited number of volunteer slots are available for students currently enrolled in a college or university (or just-graduated). In return for devoting 8 hours of volunteer service (serving as a workshop monitor, helping out at the registration desk, etc.) selected volunteers will receive a free registration to GIS-Pro 2019. Note that travel and lodging is not included. Additional details and a volunteer interest form are available online: visit https://www.urisa.org/gispro-studentsyps.

• K-12 Poster Showcase: For the past few years, with GIS becoming more popular in elementary, junior and high school education, we’ve been honored to showcase local GIS classes at our conference. Typically, the students are invited to attend one day or a part of a day at the conference (whatever works best with travel schedules and workload), set up their posters to discuss their projects with GIS professionals in attendance and have the opportunity to learn about career paths and opportunities. They can attend sessions and wander through the exhibit hall to check out the latest technology being offered. One of the 9th grade presenters at GIS-Pro 2017 is coming back this year to do a formal presentation! The conference will be at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside and the best days to participate would be Monday or Tuesday, September 30 or October 1. Interested in showcasing your class? Please visit http://www.urisa.org/gispro-studentsyps for details.

• 2019 URISA Dr. Marilyn O'Hara Ruiz Young Professional Scholarship: This scholarship fund was introduced last year and honors Dr. Marilyn Ruiz who passed away unexpectedly in 2018. During Dr. Ruiz's career at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, she provided her undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students with excellent research experiences in her laboratory which helped them to have successful careers in academia, government and industry. Marilyn was passionate about her role as a mentor of graduate education. The scholarship fully supports young professional participation in the conference, fostering their professional connections and educational development. Review the eligibility and attendance requirements: http://www.urisa.org/gispro-studentsyps. There is also a link to donate to this important Scholarship Fund.
  
  
  

Contact:

Wendy Nelson
URISA Executive Director
847/824-6300
Email Contact