Esri Extends ConnectED Support for Three More Years

Redlands, California—November 16, 2016—Global smart mapping leader Esri announced that it has extended its support of President Obama's ConnectED initiative through 2019. Esri will continue to expand its wide range of curricula that integrates map-based concepts into primary and secondary school learning.

President Obama established the ConnectED initiative in 2013 to promote donated technology contributions that can equip U.S. schoolchildren with the tools they need to succeed in the digital future. During a visit to the White House in 2014, Esri president Jack Dangermond offered Esri's award-winning cloud-based solution, ArcGIS Online, to every public, private, and home school in the United States. Since that time, Esri has donated more than $40 million in software, curriculum solutions, training, and support for K–12 institutions.

"Esri's contribution to ConnectED has succeeded because it's complemented by human investment," said Dangermond. "Teachers have positively responded to the ready-to-use software and expert training that allow them to build custom curricula in Esri ArcGIS Online. We are pleased to increase that momentum with a new round of investment."

Over 4,000 schools currently use Esri tools as part of their curricula. In addition to software, Esri provides brief geographically enabled lessons on subjects ranging from earth science to history. These lessons and associated maps are viewed over 50,000 times per month.

"Students learn best by engaging with content," said Charlie Fitzpatrick, Esri schools program manager. "Esri offers an interactive experience that helps students scaffold the background knowledge and skills needed to engage in even more powerful project-based learning."

Esri is working with its network of distributors around the world to bring programs like ConnectED to schools outside the United States.