2007 Ed Forrest Internship Program

Student Participation Information

Since 1982, GITA has been providing excellence in education and information exchange on the use and benefits of spatial information technologies for communication, infrastructure, and utility applications worldwide. In early 1996, GITA’s Board of Directors continued its history of promoting education by establishing the Ed Forrest Education Endowment. Ed Forrest was a champion of automation who concentrated on the application of computers to automate engineering and mapping related activities. Until his death, Mr. Forrest was a strong supporter of GITA and frequently spoke at the association’s conferences. In 1993, Mrs. Asta Forrest donated funds in honor of her husband to further the educational opportunities for those involved in AM/FM/GIS. The internship program and other endowments are now funded through the endowment.

GITA isn't looking just for students! We're also seeking GIS-related organizations interested in hiring our interns. Click here for more information!

Objective
The Ed Forrest Internship Program was initiated to create opportunities for GIS students to obtain practical hands-on experience.

Program Description
The internship program consists of two parts:
1) a competitive stipend program
2) an internship clearinghouse.

This program is open to all students who are juniors or above and are currently enrolled in accredited colleges or universities. Participating GITA corporate sponsors, contributors, small business affiliates, user affiliates and other qualified AM/FM/GIS companies will place interns through the program.

GITA will offer one $2,000 stipend to a selected student to offset travel and living expenses incurred as a result of obtaining an internship with one of the association’s corporate members or other approved companies. The stipends are awarded on a competitive basis, selected from completed applications.

Resumes of all qualified students who complete the internship application will be included in the association’s internship clearinghouse. These will be circulated to GITA corporate member companies and other approved organizations, with individuals who are eligible for the stipend identified. The students will also be given the contact information for the participating companies.

Please note that is the responsibility of the students and companies to make the initial contact regarding internships. GITA provides the contact information for both parties but does not make the arrangements for the internships.

Application
In addition to completing the application, students need to submit:

1. Proof of full-time or part-time enrollment in or acceptance by a degree-granting university, college, or community college. If currently enrolled, an applicant must provide a copy of their class schedule for the current semester.

2. A 300-500 word statement regarding your current educational goals and plans for your professional career. Explain your reasons for selecting you major field of study, along with how your professional aspirations relate to GIS.

3. A transcript from each school attended (undergraduate and graduate). Please black out your Social Security number. We do not need it for our purposes.

4. Two letters of recommendation. Each letter must be from a faculty member or other person who can speak explicitly about your academic achievements, practical experience, and promise. Those submitting the recommendations should send their letters directly to GITA.

5. A current resume that shows your GIS experience and education.

View and print the application here.

Submit application to:

Ed Forrest Internship Program
GITA
14456 E. Evans Ave.
Aurora, CO 80014

Companies who participated in the 2006 program (2007 organizations will appear in late 2006 or early 2007)

Questions? Call GITA at 303-337-0513 or send an e-mail to info@gita.org.

Back to the top