This talk provides an overview of Monroe Community College’s mission to provide remote access to GIST education in and beyond Upstate New York thanks to an NSF ATE grant. The speaker will highlight goals of the grant which include: building an A.A.S. Degree in GIST and an advanced GIST micro-credential by adding 3 new courses and updating existing courses. The GIST program has provided online students with an “Open” GIST lab with virtual student tutors and alumni GIST mentors, and virtual GIST internships. The grant team has delivered innovative outreach to public and college librarians, who have in return given introductory GIS students support finding GIST data. Social media has played an important part in informing the GIST community about the program, including introductory GIST students and GIST Professionals. The talk will also touch on the status of the objectives, successes, and obstacles, and showcase unique student opportunities and work as part of the program.
