Student Opportunities

At the Geospatial Innovation Program, students unlock the power of place through hands-on learning that connects the classroom to the real world. Whether you're passionate about the environment, social justice, public health, urban planning, or technology innovation, GIS is a tool that helps you turn ideas into action. With cross-disciplinary partnerships, real-world internships, and forward-thinking projects, our students do more than study geography, they use it to make a difference. 

Three students gathered around an iPad

GIS is woven throughout the Washington College experience. We partner with academic departments across campus—including environmental science and studies, anthropology and archaeology, business management, political science, history, and more—to embed spatial thinking into coursework, research, and community initiatives. Whether you're creating maps to understand the history and lasting impacts of urban planning or analyzing traffic data for a local transportation agency, the work you do will have real impacts. 

Experiential learning is at the heart of GIP. Our year-round internship program places students in the field alongside experienced GIS professionals working on real projects for actual clients ranging from local nonprofits to state government agencies. Our interns have: 

  • Mapped tree canopy and created a tree survey app for climate resilience
  • Supported public safety through crash data analysis
  • Helped preserve cultural landmarks through spatial storytelling
  • Created a 3D indoor map of Miller Library
  • And so much more

You'll develop not just the technical skills, but problem-solving ability, teamwork experience, and a professional portfolio—everything you need to stand out in graduate school or the job market.

Our internship program is designed as a skill-building journey; we meet you where you are and help you grow from there. 

For more information on how to apply to be an intern, please email us at gisFREEwashcoll

Our Internship Program

Junior Apprentice

 Learn the basics and assist on simple tasks.

Apprentices

 Dive deeper into analysis and take on project responsibilities.

Senior Apprentice

 Support team leads and contribute advanced work.

Journeymen Leader

 Mentor others and manage projects.