Apply for the 2026 Charles S. Edge New Speaker Grant for MacAdmins at Penn State

The Mac Admins Foundation (MAF) is proud to partner with the MacAdmins Conference at Penn State to offer the Charles S. Edge Jr. New Speakers Grant in 2026.

First-time speakers often have insight, experience, and ideas to share, but financial, logistical, or confidence hurdles can make it difficult to take the leap. The Charles S. Edge Jr. New Speakers Grant provides financial assistance and mentorship to elevate emerging voices, and to bring a wider range of perspectives to the MacAdmins Conference community.

Grant Details

  • Eligibility: First‑time speakers at a professional conference who have submitted a talk proposal to the MacAdmins Conference at Penn State, taking place July 7-10, 2026. Preference will be given to individuals from underrepresented groups.

  • MacAdmins Conference at Penn State Partnership: Thanks to support from the Mac Admins at Penn State, two speaker slots are guaranteed for first‑time speakers, with the possibility of more depending on various factors.

  • Identity Validation: If selected, applicants will need to provide a form of photo ID to confirm their identity.

  • Grant Amount: Each grant awards $2,500, which can be used for travel, lodging, food, childcare, and other conference‑related expenses.

  • Mentorship and Guidance: Selected speakers will receive one‑on‑one mentoring with a knowledgeable member of the Mac Admins community to help refine and prepare their talk.

How To Apply: Applications will be accepted January 20, 2026 through March 30, 2026.

About Charles S. Edge Jr.

Charles S. Edge Jr. was a respected published author of technical works around Apple systems administration, co‑host of the Mac Admins Podcast, host of the History of Computing Podcast, and a veteran of Jamf Software, 318, and Bootstrappers.mn. A passionate Mac Admin enthusiast, Charles frequently championed new voices within the community — encouraging others to speak, publish, and share their expertise. Charles passed unexpectedly in 2024; his gregarious and inclusive voice is deeply missed by his community of friends around the world.