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"School registration for the 2023-24 competition is now open.

The 8th 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 Story Map that shares their results and insights.

Esri is providing $1,000 in prize money that will be distributed to the students producing the top five Story Maps in each grade-level category. The top Story Map in each category will also be advanced to the national competition.

Schools 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 before midnight on Friday, January 26, 2024. If available, GIS professionals will provide feedback on students’ projects.
  • The regular registration deadline is midnight on Friday, March 22, 2024.

Graphic summarizing key dates for competition in 2023-24.

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.comMentoring 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.