[ros-users] [Discourse.ros.org] [General] ROSCon 2018 Diversity Scholarships: Applications Open

[dhood]

The ROSCon 2018 organizing committee aims for [ROSCon](http://roscon.ros.org/2018) to represent the entire ROS community, which is diverse and global. In addition to promoting technology that is open source, we also strive to ensure that our communities themselves are as open and accessible as possible, since we recognize that diversity benefits the ROS ecosystem as a whole. 

Whoever you are, whatever you do, and wherever you do it, if youre interested in ROS, then we want you to join us at ROSCon. To help reduce the financial barriers to conference attendance, the ROSCon organizing committee is offering a number of scholarships to members of traditionally underrepresented groups in the tech community. Thanks to the support of the programs sponsors, these scholarships each include a complimentary conference registration pass and three nights accommodation shared with another recipient*. Limited travel support is available for participants whose travel to the conference would otherwise be infeasible**. Please note that all other expenses (including any visa requirements) will be the responsibility of the participant.

*To maximize the impact of the scholarship funds, scholarship recipients will be asked to share a room with another recipient. Under special circumstances alternative arrangements can be accommodated.
**Participants will be responsible for covering their travel expenses up-front, as the travel support will be provided at the conference.


## Eligibility

We invite applications from members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the robotics community (including but not limited to: women, LGBTQ+, people of color, people with disabilities, people from racial and/or ethnic minorities in the robotics community, and people from developing nations), who may not otherwise be able to attend ROSCon.

Previous ROSCon Diversity Scholarship recipients are not eligible to re-apply, but we are proud to share this feedback from a participant of the [2017 Diversity Program](https://www.osrfoundation.org/roscon2017-diversity-review/):

> The ROSCon Diversity Scholarship Program provided me with an opportunity that would have been completely impossible without it. I was able to attend my first robotics conference and feel empowered to keep working to try and make a positive impact on this community. Also, it was very encouraging to see so many companies stepping up to promote and enable diversity within their companies and the robotics community. Thank you!

## Sponsors

The ROSCon 2018 Diversity Program is made possible with support from the following sponsors:

<img src="https://roscon.ros.org/2018/img/amazon.svg" width="250" alt="amazon_logo">

<img src='/uploads/ros/original/2X/f/fd2acf1c68258c958b163f766821968cf743dd4b.png' width="200" alt="erle_logo">

<img src='/uploads/ros/original/2X/1/1bf5ec7f7a876a9530e2149c1982f7b4a44324ae.png' width="300" alt="fetch_logo">

<img src='/uploads/ros/original/2X/8/89b9e635bba5cf62d31310f28b07032b86ef36cb.png' width="300" alt="google_logo">

<img src='/uploads/ros/original/2X/5/57eba0115d9f5943b383c369c7ae1ead2eb81a3e.png' width="220" alt="locus_logo">

<img src='/uploads/ros/original/1X/d3fc6fddd482cd945d8be2ef0dea652328c39f1b.png' width="330" alt="locus_logo">



If your organization is interested in getting involved in the Diversity Program, please [get in contact](mailto:roscon-2018-oc at openrobotics.org).

## How to apply

To apply, [fill out this form](https://goo.gl/2o498j) by May 6 2018, describing how you are involved with ROS and the robotics community and what you hope to get out of attending ROSCon. Scholarships will be awarded based on a combination of need and impact. Every applicant will be notified of the outcome of their application.


For more information about ROSCon 2018, including the program, code of conduct, and childcare options, please see http://roscon.ros.org/2018





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