The National Geographic Society has long been committed to ensuring the current and next generation of students won't be left behind in geography—a critical subject in our increasingly interconnected world.

Did You Know? In a recent National Geographic-Roper Study, half of the 18-to-24-year-olds polled cannot find New York on a map of the U.S.

Most Americans don't realize the role geography education plays in their everyday lives. Those who don't see the significance of geography are less likely to demand their children receive the education and experiences to become geographically literate.

To promote geographic literacy, the Society's Education and Children's Programs (ECP) provide educator resources, public programs and works through key areas such as public engagement. A few examples include:

• My Wonderful World gives kids, parents, and educators the tools to expand geographic learning in school, at home, and in the community.
• The National Geographic Bee and World Championship test the knowledge of students through national and international competitions among more than 20 nations.
• Geography Alliance networks create training for educators, provide curriculum materials, and spark geography education advocacy at the local level.

Within the ECP group is the Education Foundation, which supports the Society's efforts to motivate and enable each new generation to become geographically literate. Visit the Foundation's website to learn about other National Geographic education initiatives including Geography Action!, an annual conservation and awareness program, and National Geographic Explorer magazine, distributed to elementary schools across the country.

The Society also has a formal relationship with the JASON Project, which offers inventive and engaging science and math learning opportunities to students and teachers online.

In addition to being focused on education locally, these efforts extend internationally, specifically to Afghanistan. To that end, National Geographic created the Afghan Girls Fund in 2002. Recently, the Society transitioned the Afghan Girls Fund to the Afghan Children's Fund to expand the fund's grant-making to serve all Afghan children–both girls and boys. Read More>>

Donate today to be a part of the Society's efforts to bring geography education to the forefront of school curriculums.

National Geographic Society Development Office
1145 17th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
U.S.A.

Telephone
800 373 1717 (U.S. and Canada only)
+ 1 202 862 8638

Email
givinginfo@ngs.org