The Urban Atlanta Geospatial STEM Academy Announced as Finalist for Fourth Annual STEM Education Awards
–Awards recognize excellence in science, technology, engineering and math education in Georgia
Atlanta, GA (August 12, 2015) – The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) and the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG-Ed) today announced that The Urban Atlanta Geospatial STEM Academy has been named as a one of six finalists across the state in the STEM extra-curricular program of the year category for the 2015 Georgia STEM Education Awards. The Georgia STEM Education Awards recognizes schools, programs, and companies for outstanding efforts and achievements in supporting and promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education in Georgia.
“We are incredibly humbled to be one of the six statewide finalists. This prestigious honor in year one of our program recognizes the talented high school youth scholars that actively and enthusiastically participated in our summer academy. The youth scholars came into our program without formal classroom experience in geospatial technologies, geographic information systems, or mapping. By the end of the academy not only had they learned the technologies, but they applied the technologies in real-world high impact community GIS and mapping projects with community organizations across Atlanta,” said Timothy L. Hawthorne, founding director of The Urban Atlanta Geospatial STEM Academy. The Academy is funded by the Verizon Foundation and The Georgia Geographic Alliance hosted at Georgia State University.
“It was truly a challenge to choose from among the many applicants from around Georgia for these finalists,” said Tino Mantella, president & CEO of TAG. “We applaud all of our applicants for their excellent work in STEM.”
Winners are to be announced during a special awards gala on August 28th, held at the Carlos Community Center in Atlanta. The event was sponsored in part by Georgia Tech Research Institute, Promethean, and Cisco.
“It is so gratifying to see STEM education gaining momentum throughout the state of Georgia,” said Michael Robertson, executive director of TAG-Ed. “The programs selected as finalists are leading the way in this effort and sharing best practices that will prepare our students for the challenges ahead. “
For more information about TAG and the Fourth Annual Georgia STEM Education Awards visit: http://www.tagonline.org/events/stem-education-awards/.
For more information about The Urban Atlanta Geospatial STEM Academy visit:
http://facebook.com/georgiageography
The Urban Atlanta Geospatial STEM Academy is a summer STEM education training program that engages one hundred 9th through 12th grade students from the Atlanta region in community-based geospatial technology educational experiences.
About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
TAG is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 28,000 members through regional chapters in Metro Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon/Middle Georgia, and Savannah. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy.
The association provides networking and educational programs; celebrates Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. TAG hosts over 200 events each year and serves as an umbrella organization for 34 professional societies. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org.
About TAG Education Collaborative
TAG Education Collaborative is dedicated to developing science, technology, engineering and math initiatives in Georgia. Through partnerships with statewide STEM programs, TAG-Ed fosters student interest in STEM in order to increase appreciation for the opportunities available through technology careers. TAG-Ed hosts an internship program for high school students, two web-based team challenges for students interested in Health IT and web design, and the Vine Event, an annual fundraiser benefiting STEM education. For additional information, visit TAG Education Collaborative or contact Michael Robertson at (404) 920 – 2038 or mrobertson@tagonline.org.