My California GIS Mapping Showcase and Competition

Image including CGA logo and title of contest: "My California GIS Mapping SHowcase and Competition for 4th-12th grades"Register now for the 2024-25 competition.

The 9th Annual “My California GIS Mapping Showcase and Competition” encourages middle (4th-8th grade) and high school (9th-12th grade) students to harness the power of Geographic Information Systems. Students choose an issue, story, or event within the state to examine in depth. They use ArcGIS Online to access geographic data and analysis tools and then produce a StoryMap that shares their results and insights.

Certificates and prize money will be distributed to the students producing the top five StoryMaps in each grade-level category. The top StoryMap in each category will also be advanced to the national competition.

Schools, after school programs, and homeschool parents can register for the competition here.
Note: Please access registration form using Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge/Explorer web browsers.    

  • For schools who would like to participate in the mentoring program, registrations are due by February 21, 2025. If available, GIS professionals will provide feedback on students’ projects shared before March 28.
  • The regular registration deadline is April 18, 2025 with entries due on May 5.
This image includes information about the competition timeline and rules for entry.
For the detailed contest rules and judging criteria, go here.

GIS Professionals and Professors, sign up to become a mentor and/or judge by emailing camapcomp@gmail.com. Mentoring will occur during March, and judging will occur in late April through early May.

Contact Dr. Waverly Ray at CAmapcomp@gmail.com with questions about the contest.

Find resources to help you and your students develop their projects here.

See previous years’ winners and honorable mentions here.