In Blue Raster’s continued effort to promote technology education, the company hosted an event in recognition of GIS Day.  The annual celebration takes place on November 14th to salute geospatial technology, and was started in 1999 by Blue Raster partner, Esri.  GIS Day is marked globally with events that aim to educate others on geography and the uses of GIS.

Blue Raster welcomed twenty-three students from Washington-Lee High School who are participating in the James Madison University Geospatial Semester, a college-level GIS class.  The program which is offered at several high schools across Virginia is for seniors and provides college credit upon successful completion of the course.

Class instructor, Ryan Miller, who has been teaching the course for five years, notes that it gives students “a hands-on experience learning GIS,” and sees the value in taking students outside the classroom to view real-world applications of the course concepts.  “What we were able to accomplish today — establishing rapport between the GIS professional community and GIS students — truly represents the essence of GIS Day,” shares Miller.  “Bridging the gap between those that know GIS well and those learning it, benefits our entire community.  We are most thankful for the opportunity Blue Raster provided here.”

The day’s agenda included presentations of various Blue Raster GIS projects, a geography challenge and a Q&A session for students seeking an understanding of working at a GIS firm.  Blue Raster principal, Michael Lippmann, felt an overall sense of pride in having taken part in GIS Day.  “It has been very rewarding to share our work with students and learn about their enthusiasm for GIS.  These eager minds are getting a jumpstart on their careers, and we look forward to maintaining our connection with the next-generation of GIS developers through internships and mentoring in the future.”