GIS Day Helps Introduce Technology to Middle School Girls

With GIS Day just one month away, planning is nearly complete for the approximately 600 events anticipated this year to showcase and celebrate GIS. GIS Day 2011 will be held on November 16, during Geography Awareness Week, a geographic literacy initiative sponsored by the National Geographic Society (www.mywonderfulworld.org/gaw). Organizations are always welcome to host GIS Day celebrations anytime throughout the year. Many organizations use GIS Day as an opportunity to reach out to local schools and teach children about geography and GIS. For more information on GIS Day and how to host an event, visit gisday.com.

The Intro2Tek camp—based in California's Inland Empire—is devoted to helping young girls become interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and more. Middle school is the perfect time to introduce technology concepts that are specifically designed with girls in mind. This year's camp was held in mid-July in the city of Rancho Cucamonga. At the two-day summer camp, students learned Internet safety and etiquette, how to create multimedia presentations, team-building roles and skills, and how to use GIS. In addition, girls were introduced to fun and lucrative careers in STEM fields.

To ignite the interest of girls in technology, volunteers give them early exposure to confident, competent women role models and engage them at an early age in fun, creative programs that build their confidence and comfort levels with technology and help them thrive and flourish in technical studies. Intro2Tek also provides an opportunity for girls to discover STEM-related career possibilities and the potential within themselves to seek those opportunities.

Intro2Tek is the brainchild of Rondalynne McClintock, Esri, with volunteer help from Gaynell Vanderslice, Rashan Walker, Freddie Gibson, and Nina Lopez.

Available Resources

There are many more event examples and success stories available at gisday.com/success. The success stories are great ways to get ideas for your next GIS Day event, including hands-on GIS workshops, training seminars, special presentations and talks, map galleries, treasure hunts, and field trips. Once an idea is in the works, users are encouraged to access the resources and support provided online, including sample agendas, proposal letters, white papers, how to do a GIS Day proclamation in your area, and how to create a GIS Day cake.