About the
North Dakota Geographic Alliance
Our Vision
An effective presence of geography in the curriculum equips North Dakota students with geographic knowledge and skills to become productive global citizens and problem solvers in an interconnected world. A variety of NDGA partnerships and stakeholders clearly understand the importance of attaining geographic literacy as related to the future of ND.
NDGA, established in 1991, is a university-based, statewide partnership between professors and K-12 teachers. The Alliance provides educators with professional development, networking, and teaching materials and promotes public awareness of the importance of geographic skills and fluency. Part of National Geographic’s nationwide network of state Geographic Alliances, NDGA’s programs teach students to care for the planet, its resources, and all of its inhabitants and prepare them to succeed as citizens in an increasingly global society.
Our Mission
Promote and increase the level the geography literacy, foster innovation in geographic education, and encourage stewardship and conservation of Earth’s resources.
Core Values
As an organization the North Dakota Geographic Alliance values its role as a trusted resource, advocate, and promoter of geography and social studies education. Geographic educators of North Dakota believe:
Quality geographic education is important and necessary in preparing students as citizens of the 21st century
Geography integration increases appreciation and awareness across disciplines and curricula
Geography serves as a gateway to critical thinking and productive citizenship
Core values guide the decision-making process that is based on the foundation of profound respect and trust shown us by policy-makers, community and educators as an advocate of the need for geo-literacy.
Geographic education provides an opportunity for people to view the world with multiple perspectives in terms of culture, politics, and economics
Quality professional development and mentoring of Geography teachers is on-going
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
– Nelson Mandela
