International GeoMentor Program

The newly established GeoMentor program was jointly announced by ESRI and the National Geographic Society (NGS) on Monday, 13th July 2009, during the Plenary Session of ESRI's 29th annual International User Conference in San Diego (USA). The program will enlist people who use geographic information to help educators and students better understand its numerous applications.  

These GeoMentors adopt a classroom or afterschool program, helping both the teacher and students comprehend the many ways geography and geographic information systems (GIS) can help us better understand the interrelatedness of objects and events in our world.

Because people in many jobs rely on geography to analyse conditions and make decisions, GeoMentors can come from a variety of professions aside from the GIS professional, including police officers, social workers, taxi drivers, city planners, and farmers. Participants interested in becoming a GeoMentor should have a good understanding of geographic concepts and how they can be applied in everyday life, and be willing to share their knowledge with local teachers and their students.

Says Daniel C. Edelson, vice president for education, National Geographic Society said that the rate of geoliteracy in the United States - the number of people who can synthesise geographic information from a variety of sources and draw a sound conclusion - is frighteningly low. If it is allowed to continue, the inability of most Americans to do even basic analysis of geographic information will have a profound impact on our ability to compete economically, maintain our security, and sustain our environment in coming decades.

The GeoMentor Web site has tools for pairing mentors with educators, finding activities, acquiring resources from both the National Geographic Society and ESRI, and sharing stories.