A new program will offer training to teachers and students on geographic information systems and other topics.

Heidi Ragsdale — a science, engineering, technology and math educator and advocate — will establish the GeoMaker Institute at the GJmakerspace at the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction.

A grant from the National Geographic Society will establish the program. Ragsdale is a member of the National Geographic Teacher Advisory Council.

Grant support will extend to areas in Colorado as well as Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to offer STEM and GIS programs.

“It is so imperative that teachers and students have access and opportunities to build the explorer mindset as engaged citizens,” Ragsdale said.

“The GeoMaker Institute will engage youth to solve local, regional and global concerns by learning industry tools and applications,” Ragsdale said.

“I am incredibly honored to help bring industry tools to the fingertips of our region’s students through engagement with real geographic inquiry,” she added.

The GJmakerspace will serve as the host site for in-person and online training for teachers as well as students in fifth through 12th grades.

Ragsdale will host a series of geographic information system and maker education classes.

She’ll receive support from Wayne Wall, a GJmakerspace and workforce innovation program educator who’ll serve as co-director of the project.

Joe Elliott, the director of the GJmakerspace, said he’s excited about the effort.

“Hosting the GeoMaker Institute at the GJmakerspace is an honor,” Elliott said. “The program has our support through use of our toolsets in developing and designing geotechnology innovations and solutions.”

The GJmakerspace offers equipment, classes and other resources to help entrepreneurs, inventors, scientists, artists and others to develop products and services.