The GeoMentor Program

National Geographic and ESRI have created a new program to inspire educators and community members to work together to improve student learning. People who use geography in their work can help educators and youth see the world in new ways. The GeoMentor program is designed to inspire volunteers to work with a teacher or youth club leader to help kids see, use, and do more geography in and out of classrooms.

What does a GeoMentor do?

A GeoMentor "adopts" a school, class, or club and supports the educator/s in working with youth. Using tools of geography (such as maps and globes, atlases, charts, imagery, and field work), the GeoMentor helps the educator and youth develop skills in geographic thinking.

Who can be a GeoMentor?

GeoMentors can be anyone who uses geography, recognizes the ways in which geography matters to us all, and has an interest in helping young people, including:

• users of Geographic Information Systems
• Mapmakers
• city and regional planners
• Local government workers
• Utility industry workers
• Transportation people
• Health care staff and social workers
• Architects and engineers
• Farmers, foresters, and fishermen
• Safety and security people
• Homemakers
• Anyone who recognizes that where things are, and how they relate to other things, influences our lives

How can an educator benefit?

A classroom teacher or leader of an informal education group can benefit by developing his or her own skills, getting support problems solved, and providing youth with powerful new opportunities that foster long-term skills. And everyone will benefit from a more engaged citizenry.

Read about the GeoMentor Program in the Fall 2009 issue of ArcUser [HTML, PDF]