Fun with GIS 350: UC 2024 K12 SAG - 2892

[CharlieFitzpatrick]

In the annual Esri User Conference, a few select organizations get recognized for their work, via the "Special Achievement in GIS" awards (or "SAG awards"). In 2024, the organization earning this special recognition from Esri's K12 Education Industry team is the "2892 Miles to Go: Geographic Walk for Justice" project.

The distance across USA can be measured in many ways, but one shows about 2892 miles from west coast to east coast. No matter how you view it, the stories that dominate across the land tend to come from those with power. The 2892 project strives to help communities bring forward other stories, from people with experiences and perspectives different from the dominant picture. They have used GIS to show patterns, identify relationships, and integrate all manner of data. With help from National Geographic, they have conducted workshops and catalyzed the assembly of rich and powerful content. Project leader (and National Geographic Explorer) Ashley Lamb-Sinclair shared the vision of community members generating and collecting data, and GIS mentor Anita Palmer showed how maps and StoryMaps could integrate it, from local to national scale. The first stories came from the adult world, and a rich and sensitive educational package has helped expose and disseminate these remarkable collections to teachers and students. Now, students are getting into the creation stage, too, showing the impact of deep engagement in learning activities.

For this remarkable implementation of empowerment and education thru GIS, we heartily congratulate and thank the 2892 Miles to Go project. If you are new to 2892, please see these resources:

• Start here, and see the Collections: https://www.2892walk.org/
• Educator Guide: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/60b81a02d2a34512970c4fee0b13e491
• Webinar for educators: https://mediaspace.esri.com/media/t/1_ps7zioj4/293811472
• Esri Blog: https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/blog/maps-relate-community-history/

[JosephKerski]

Thanks Charlie.   Saluting your work and the work of the 2892 leaders and participants! 

I had the honor of working a 2892 group of students in Denver this year called YAALL - Young African American and Latino Leaders, through Denver Public Schools:  https://www.facebook.com/SVLDPS   They tackled some challenging issues in the schools including expulsions and school resource officers, and more, and used GIS mapping and story maps to analyze data and communicate their findings.