Geoquest

Our GeoQuest program expands access to education, hands-on learning, and skill training in geospatial technology for children in K-8 grades. As one of the fastest growing fields in information technology, geospatial science jobs are in high demand.

In today’s digital world, STEM skills are essential and becoming increasingly specialized. Raising your child to be technologically-savvy is a smart move!

What is Geospatial Education?

Geospatial education complements STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning and uses geospatial technology, like global positioning system (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS) to problem solve.

The “geo” in geospatial education refers to geography and mapping. Geography affects nearly every aspect of our lives––from brushing our teeth, making a phone call, finding a doctor, turning on the lights, hopping on a school bus, driving, or sending a text.

Engaging learners in geospatial education allows them to see how location impacts daily life and the world around them. Location data can help solve some of the most pressing issues facing us locally and globally-inspiring our next generation of innovators to map a better future and create a safer, more productive world.

Upskilling for success today and tomorrow

Children begin their GEOQUEST as early as Kindergarten!

Exploring the world as GeoAdventurers, children in grades K-5, learn about the earth’s terrain, space, and waterways. In the GPS: Geo Power Squad, youth in grades 6-8, move beyond basic exploration and discover how to harness geospatial technology for good.

Through a curriculum developed and taught by Unleashing Potential technologists, our scholars tackle real-world projects and hone critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills in an encouraging and nurturing environment. Programs take place at locations in St. Louis City and County and provide educational support to prepare learners to succeed at home, school, in our community, and beyond.

Upskilling youth with critical skills needed in the 21st century is key to our FUTURE and our WORLD!

Featured Story

Unleashing Potential creative writing process afterschool University City youth

The Write Idea: How Afterschool Helped Maria with the Creative Writing Process

Maria knew the basics of her fantasy story. But she kept getting stuck. Luckily, her site manager also liked to write and knew a thing or two about the creative writing process.

Deonna thrived in afterschool because of Unleashing Potential's philosophy to include social-emotional learning in our curriculum

How Social-Emotional Learning Helped Deonna Come Out of Her Shell

When Deonna first entered Unleashing Potential’s before- and after-care as a second grader, she felt a little scared. She already knew a few of the kids, but she didn’t know any of the adults. That was ok, though, because Unleashing Potential has social-emotional learning built into our curriculum that helped her come out of her shell.

Harper shows off her skills at Griffith Elementary in the Ferguson-Florissant School District

Ripping the Runway in Cardboard Shoes: How a Fashion Show Taught Harper Engineering Concepts

A week of hard work led up to it, but, on Friday, Harper and her friends were ready to rip the runway. At Griffith Elementary in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, the kids in Unleashing Potential’s Afterschool program had designed cardboard shoes, and Friday was the Fashion Show where they would show off their designs to their parents.

Slime Time: How Unleashing Potential Afterschool Staff Came Up with Programming to Match Kinsley’s Interests

Kinsley loves slime. Her best friend knows how to make over a dozen different types, and during Covid-19, Kinsley watched videos of child Youtubers making it. So when Ms. Shawnica and Ms. Zoe introduced an experiment where the children could choose between making different types of slime, Kinsley was all-in.

Cal’s Got Talent! How Unleashing Potential Helped Cal Gain Confidence for the Afterschool Talent Show

At first, Cal was nervous. He’d never really been on stage and, even though it was mostly his peers in the afterschool program, a bunch of new faces were filtering in through the gym doors of Griffith Elementary School – family coming for the Unleashing Potential Talent Show.

Interested in Getting Your Child Involved? Fill out the form below to connect with one of our specialists