The Community Mapping Program (CMP) complements and illuminates both traditional and alternative learning by empowering youth to understand and contribute to the community where they live. Through a partnership with a local community organization, educators and students work toward a comprehensive understanding of a social, economic or ecological issue. Typical partners may include resource management agencies, state parks, planning commissions, historical societies and emergency services. Community Mapping projects are equally diverse - as diverse as the locations, organizations and needs involved. Traffic patterns, historic landmarks, riverbank erosion, interpretive trails, affordable housing and wildlife management plans are typical issues that Community Mapping project teams investigate. Each project results in meeting academic standards or educational goals across a broad range of disciplines, as well as the creation of public information materials such as displays, brochures, maps, databases and Web sites.

The CMP is truly a multifaceted tool for education and personal growth. While developing the ability to understand and apply information, resources and technology, it builds vital communication, research, organizational and interpersonal skills that prepare youth for future studies and rewarding careers. Educators receive a wide range of training and guidance on project design and management, teaching aids and student assessments that help them successfully integrate a community-based project into their curriculum as a replacement lesson and not an add-on. They also receive training on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technologies on a "need-to-know" basis that can be easily replicated back in the classroom.

The Community Mapping training, materials, tools and support services you receive as a CMP partner are the product of our Foundation's ongoing development and evaluation process that began over four years ago. Whether you want launch a multiple-project CMP in your community or start with a single project, the Orton Family Foundation's Community Mapping Program provides the skills and a roadmap for engaging youth in local investigations that make a positive impact on the community and give real-world context to learning.