ESRI's Commitment to K–12 Education Programs Honored by NMA

ESRI's Commitment to K–12 Education Programs Honored by NMA

Company Developed Software and Materials for International GLOBE Program

ESRI US, the premier developer of geographic information system (GIS) software, received the National Mining Association (NMA) 2000 Chairman's Award for Excellence in Mining Education. NMA honored ESRI for the educational programs it maintains in K–12 schools, community colleges and universities, public and college libraries, museums, nature centers, and other sites for educating the public. Earth sciences and mining technology are key components of these programs.

Steven Leer, chairman of NMA and president and CEO of Arch Coal, Inc., presided over the awards ceremony during the MINExpo INTERNATIONAL 2000 in Las Vegas. He said the purpose of the awards was "to recognize those member organizations that are doing an extraordinary job of fostering mineral education in classrooms in their communities and across the country."

Winning the manufacturers and services crystal trophy, ESRI's many educational and public outreach activities and, in particular, its work with the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program were cited. Jackie Evanger, former vice president of the Mineral Information Institute and an awards judge, said, "The range of mining-and earth science-related educational activities that ESRI performs and supports is very impressive."

ESRI helps participating GLOBE schools take advantage of GIS by providing software and training; distributing mapping tools, activity kits, and lesson materials; and demonstrating GIS concepts at teacher conferences.

Mike Price, ESRI mining industry solutions manager, accepted the award for ESRI. "At ESRI we recognize that mining is an important part of our lives, and we strive to inform, educate, and enlighten the public, including school children, about how GIS technology enables miners to do their jobs in a cleaner, safer, and more efficient mode," Price said.

This is the fourth year NMA has given out the awards, which honor four categories of winners?hardrock mining, coal mining, manufacturers and services, and state associations. Of the manufacturers and services category, Carol Sheppard, director of education and communications for NMA said, "It's important to recognize manufacturers and suppliers for going the extra step in educating people about mining."

For details visit www.esri.com