Buser Memorial Scholarship Application 2026-2027
Introduction
The Buser Memorial Scholarship was named after Callie Buser, a Caltrans District 7 Survey Party Chief killed on the job in 1992 by an errant motorist driving under the influence. Over the last 30+years, Caltrans Land Surveys staff, in partnership with the California Transportation Foundation, have awarded over $141,000 in scholarships, supporting Land Surveying and Geomatics education in California.
Description
It is the intent of the Buser Memorial Scholarship to award four $2,500 scholarships this year.
The yearly scholarship schedule is as follows:
Application Material Posted: September
Applications Accepted: Between June 17th, 2026 – Dec. 4th, 2026
Selections Made: December 2026 – January 2027
Scholarships Awarded: January 2027
Awards may be presented at the annual California State University, Fresno (CSUF) Geomatics Engineering Conference http://www.fresnostategeomatics.com/. Arrangements may also be made to present awards to students from other schools at planned meetings, events, etc. Otherwise, awards will be mailed directly to the student at the address provided on the application submittal.
Selection Process
Applicant Must:
Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate in a Land Surveying/Geomatics Engineering or closely related degree or certificate program at a California based College or University.
Have a minimum cumulative college Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 at the end of the spring semester/quarter of the year previous to the scholarship year. Freshman students should use their high school GPA.
Intend to pursue a transportation related career in Land Surveying.
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or documented international student.
All applications must include:
A complete application form from the current scholarship year. (Prior year forms will not be accepted.)
Official transcript from educational institution attended during the Spring of the year prior to year of scholarship, showing cumulative Grade Point Average through Spring semester/quarter. Freshman applicants should provide an official High School transcript.
Proof of enrollment in Land Surveying or closely related degree/program for the current semester/quarter.
Recent Letter of recommendation from current faculty member of enrolled Land Surveying or closely related program.
Original Essay, not previously submitted.
