Sponsoring University: University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) Host Unit: UMSL Geospatial
Collaborative Eligibility: Undergraduate & Graduate Students, Faculty, and Researchers Program
Modality: Hybrid (In-Person & Virtual)
Program Location: UMSL Geospatial Collaborative University of Missouri–St. Louis Campus
Program Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026 Program Time: 5:00 – 7:30 PM (Central)
Cost: No cost to attend (Dinner provided for in-person attendees)
Registration: Advance registration required (space is limited)
The NGA Geospatial Workforce Pathways Information Session supports the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency workforce development objectives by engaging students, faculty, and researchers in focused dialogue on geospatial career pathways, academic credentials, and research-to-workforce alignment.
Organized by the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL)—the university partner for the NGA Geospatial Workforce Development Program—this event brings together participants from UMSL and partner institutions to strengthen the geospatial talent pipeline and align education, research, and workforce needs.
The program will highlight NGA-aligned career opportunities, workforce-relevant academic programs, GIS certificates, and research pathways. The session will include presentations and discussion, followed by networking and dinner for in-person attendees to encourage cross-institutional engagement and collaboration.
2. Highlight workforce-aligned academic credentials, certificates, and training pathways
3. Engage faculty and researchers in discussions on workforce-relevant education and applied research
4. Strengthen collaboration among academic partners participating in the NGA Geospatial Workforce Development Program
5. Build sustained talent-pipeline engagement connecting education, research, and workforce opportunities
This event is designed for:
- Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing or exploring geospatial, GIS, data science, computer science, engineering, or related STEM disciplines
- Faculty and researchers engaged in geospatial education, applied research, and workforce development initiatives
- Academic advisors and program coordinators supporting geospatial pathways
- 5:00 – 5:15 PM | Welcome & Program Context
- Overview of the NGA Geospatial Workforce Development Program
- UMSL’s role as University Partner
- Overview of GIS certificates and academic programs across partner institutions - 5:15 – 5:45 PM | Geospatial Workforce & Research Landscape
- Workforce demand and emerging skill needs
- Career pathways across the geospatial sector
- The role of applied research and advanced training aligned with NGA mission areas - 5:45 – 6:30 PM | Open Discussion & Q&A
- Student, faculty, and researcher perspectives
- Workforce preparation and academic pathways - 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Dinner & Networking (In Person)
- Informal networking across institutions and disciplines
- Opportunities for continued engagement and collaboration - Expected Outcomes
Participants will:
- Gain increased awareness of NGA-aligned geospatial workforce and research pathways
- Learn about GIS certificates and workforce-aligned academic programs
- Connect academic preparation with workforce needs
- Strengthen cross-institutional collaboration and engagement
- Identify opportunities for continued participation in workforce development initiatives
Attendance Options
- In-Person: Attend at UMSL and participate in the full program, including dinner and networking.
- Virtual: Join remotely for the presentation and panel discussion portion of the event.
For questions regarding this event:
Dr. Reda Amer PI, NGA Geospatial Workforce Development Program Director, UMSL Geospatial Collaborative University of Missouri–St. Louis Email: reda.amer@umsl.edu