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Key Points
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Scholarships funded through United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation
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St. Louis geospatial partners Globe Building, GDIT, Westway Services also fund local scholarships
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Scholarship winners “are proof that the future of geospatial is STLMade”
ST. LOUIS – GeoFutures – the initiative of Greater St. Louis, Inc. working to advance St. Louis’ geospatial technology sector – announced today that Ritika Tejwani, a Business and Computer Science Major at Washington University in St. Louis, is the winner of this year’s GeoFutures STL Scholarship, funded through the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation.
“I am extremely grateful to be awarded the GeoFutures STL Scholarship. It is an incredible honor, and I am thrilled about the opportunity to be part of the USGIF community, where I can expand my network, mentorship, and GIS education,” said Tejwani.
In addition to GeoFutures, St. Louis geospatial partners the Globe Building, Westway Services Group, and GDIT have funded scholarships through USGIF that will support St. Louis geospatial students as they further their studies in geospatial fields.
“Growing our geospatial workforce and talent here in St. Louis is a critical strategic focus for us. That’s how we will continue to be the nation’s leading center for geospatial technology,” said Andy Dearing, project lead for GeoFutures. “These scholarships underscore the importance of investing in the next generation of geospatial leaders, and GeoFutures is excited to help Ritika and the other scholarship winners further their geospatial education. They are proof that the future of geospatial is STLMade.”
The scholarships sponsored by St. Louis institutions include:
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The GeoFutures STL Scholarship is a $10,000 annual scholarship awarded to an undergraduate or continuing education student interested in geospatial or related fields who is from the St. Louis area or studying at a St. Louis region institution, promoting local talent and educational opportunities.
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The Globe Building St. Louis Scholarship is a $5,000 annual scholarship awarded to an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student studying geospatial or a related field at a St. Louis area college or university, supporting local students in their academic pursuits. The Globe Building is located in downtown St. Louis and houses many geospatial organizations.
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The Westway Services Scholarship for Veterans is a $5,000 annual scholarship is awarded to a veteran of the United States armed forces who is studying geospatial or a related field at the undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level, honoring their service and supporting their educational goals. Westway, a secure facilities developer, operates a SCIF in the Globe Building.
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The GDIT Horizons Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior intending to study a STEM or geospatial-related field. This $10,000 annual scholarship particularly encourages first-generation college students, community college attendees, and students from diverse backgrounds to apply. This year’s recipient is from St. Louis, where global geospatial company GDIT is expanding its presence.
Strategic Partnership with USGIF
To further strengthen St. Louis’ standing as the country’s center for geospatial technology,
Greater St. Louis, Inc. established a strategic partnership with USGIF, the nation’s leading geospatial foundation and sponsor of GEOINT Symposium. GEOINT Symposium returns to St. Louis in May 2025.
“At USGIF, we believe in empowering the next generation of geospatial intelligence leaders. Our scholarship program represents our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, excellence, and leadership within the GEOINT community. By investing in these bright minds, we are not only supporting their academic and professional journeys but also shaping the future of our industry. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected world,” said Ronda Schrenk, CEO of USGIF.
INFORMATION ON ST. LOUIS GEOSPATIAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
GeoFutures STL Scholarship
Name: Ritika Tejwani | University: Washington University in St. Louis
Ritika Tejwani is an undergraduate student at Washington University in St. Louis, majoring in Business and Computer Science with a minor in Biomedical Data Science. Her passion for geospatial intelligence was ignited during her tenure as an R&D scientist at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, where she applied spectral graph theory to analyze extensive, high-dimensional datasets. Ritika's primary interests are network analysis and activity-based intelligence, focusing on uncovering the complex web of spatiotemporal factors behind sudden national security threats. She perceives Geographic Information Systems as a revolutionary tool for understanding both immediate situations and the broader networks of individuals, connections, locations, and resources that underpin them.
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“I am extremely grateful to be awarded the GeoFutures STL Scholarship. It is an incredible honor, and I am thrilled about the opportunity to be part of the USGIF community, where I can expand my network, mentorship, and GIS education. This scholarship will fund my senior year and support my academic and professional growth in the field. I would like to thank my GIS professor, Tara Mott, for recommending this scholarship and for always encouraging me to think beyond traditional analysis. Her guidance has inspired me to use curiosity and problem-solving skills to discover innovative GIS solutions for pressing societal challenges.”
Globe Building St. Louis Scholarship
Name: Shafeel Umam | University: Saint Louis University
Shafeel Umam is pursuing a PhD in Public Health, focusing on Behavioral Science and Health Equity at Saint Louis University under the mentorship of Dr. Enbal Shacham. His research focuses on understanding climate change's impact on food security, utilizing geospatial analysis to examine how climate factors affect food availability and access across different regions. He aims to leverage statistical modeling, spatial analysis, and geospatial technologies to better understand the complex relationships between environmental conditions, socioeconomic determinants, and access to nutritious foods across different regions. By exploring this critical intersection, he seeks to create more effective strategies to enhance food security for vulnerable populations in regions throughout the world.
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“Winning the USGIF Globe Building Scholarship is an incredible honor and opportunity to further my academic and professional development. This scholarship will enable me to develop my expertise in geospatial sciences and technologies further and support my commitment to researching the impact of climate change on food security. It will give me the vital support to continue my studies and pursue geospatial analyses in public health. This award motivates me to keep striving for excellence. Moreover, the network and recognition that will come with this scholarship will open doors for collaboration and career pathways. I am deeply grateful for this scholarship and commitment from USGIF and the Globe Building.”
Westway Services Scholarship for Veterans
Name: Christopher Buck | University: New York University
Christopher Buck is a proud HBCU alumnus of Jackson State University, who has earned his Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering (with a minor in mathematics) and computer science. Christopher is in his 1st-year as a graduate student at New York University Tandon School of Engineering, where he’s managed to balance military service and academic scholarly pursuits. Christopher’s intended research topic is to highlight lidar sensors and platform methods of transferring raw lidar signal data into point references in urban cities. His research methodologies would center around automated classifications such as anomaly detection and automatic filtering techniques used in urban modeling applications.
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“Being the recipient of the USGIF Westway Services Scholarship for Veterans is incredibly humbling. First, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the selection committee that saw fit in me to be so deserving to receive this prestigious scholarship award. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals of focusing on my academic pursuits while competing for internships that will prepare me for a career in geospatial intelligence after graduation. Lastly, this recognition reaffirms my commitment to aiming for greater heights while enhancing my confidence, excitement, and interest in advancing my scholarly knowledge in geospatial intelligence.”
GDIT Horizons Scholarship
Name: Savanna Degenhardt (Note: Degenhardt is a St. Louis native) | University: Dartmouth College
A recent high school graduate, Savanna explored the fields of computer science and geospatial intelligence throughout her academic journey. She took advantage of computer science class offerings at her school and studied geospatial intelligence outside of school through Gateway Global’s GEOINT Technician training program, becoming the youngest certified GEOINT Technician in history. Savanna continued pursuing the study of both her interests through an internship with Gateway Global that allowed the fields to merge into a meaningful project. Savanna gained additional insight into how the fields can interweave through her internship with the NGA.
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“Receiving the USGIF GDIT Horizons Scholarship is an incredible honor. It commends the hard work that I have put in throughout the years and allows me to continue to pursue my interests by removing financial barriers. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities which this scholarship provides and for the mentorship that has allowed me to reach this point.”
Media Contact: Tony Wyche | 314-398-9991 | Tony@GreaterSTLInc.com