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4-H GPS/GIS Technology
| Name | Beverley Connelly | | Situation | According to the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration “80% of careers by the year 2012 will require some knowledge of geospatial technology and systems.” There is an immediate and anticipated need to fill tens of thousands of positions in geospatial technology and related fields. Unfortunately, technology has not been the focus of study in K-12 in the United States. 4-H Youth Development can now see a door of opportunity in the Technology world.
| | Response | Beaufort and Sumter County have collaborated to bring a new innovation of technology to 4-H youth. Resources from various grants have been secured to articulate the vision of career possibilities. The Sumter County 4-H military community club received an ESRI grant which funded the use of GPS/GIS technology. Since the beginning, Beaufort County 4-H has had three (Global Positioning Systems/Geographic Information System) GPS/GIS 4-H Technology Clubs. Two of the 4-H clubs are middle school clubs and the other is a military home school 4-H club.
The home school 4-H club teamed up with the DODEA(Department of Defense Education) military school 4-H to do a joint project of mapping a historical phosphate mine in Beaufort County using GPS units and marking coordinates. They took pictures and used the Mobile Technology Lab (provided through the Operation Military Kids program in South Carolina) using Arc View ESRI software to set up the first 4-H mapping project. The Beaufort County GIS Department helped to develop the map. People moved (migrated) to Beaufort County to work in the Phosphate mines in the early 1800’s. It was the main reason for the growth of Beaufort County in the 19th century. A GPS/GIS newsletter was developed and circulated throughout the technology community which is building collaboration with an array of partners. Technology has opened many doors for the 4-H clubs to do community service projects to help improve Beaufort County. Not only has it opened the door to community service project, it has now opened doors for career opportunities to 4-H members.
| | Impact | After completing the joint 4-H phosphate mine mapping project, the 4-H members have presented at the GIS users conference in Charleston, South Carolina. This has given them an opportunity to meet other South Carolina GPS/GIS Technology Companies, Environmental Agencies and ESRI Representatives. A 4-H mini grant was obtained and is being utilized to have presenters share career opportunities using GPS/GIS Technology. DNR (Department of Natural Resources), Fire Department, EMS (Emergency Medical System) and 911 system, NRCS, Beaufort County GIS, Law Enforcement, Forestry Commission, City of Beaufort and Marine Corp Air Station Beaufort all use GIS/GPS in their jobs. 80% of the members have learned to use the GPS units, 40% are learning the ESRI software. One hundred percent have gained knowledge of the importance of Technology for the future of a good career. |
Last update6/2/2008
This website is maintained by Amy West.
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