June 10, 2005: Aurora, CO — The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) is pleased to announce that it is a recipient of a $7,500 educational grant from the Xcel Energy Foundation (Denver, Colo.). This marks the second consecutive year that GITA has received the grant. Formed in 2001 as the philanthropic arm of Xcel, the Xcel Energy Foundation oversees the more than $7.5 million-funded charitable activities of Xcel Energy and its subsidiaries. GITA will use the funds to expand and enhance its educational offerings to schoolchildren and young adults in middle school, high school, and undergraduate studies.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor has named geographic information systems (GIS) as a sector that is expected to experience rapidly increasing job demand in the upcoming years. By educating young people about job opportunities available in the geospatial industry, GITA hopes to encourage them to consider the geospatial industry as an area of study and future employment.

“GITA is honored to once again be the recipient of a grant from the Xcel Energy Foundation,” said GITA Executive Director Bob Samborski. “The funds will help GITA expand its educational efforts in schools and colleges, and we are deeply appreciative to the Foundation for its continued assistance.”

GITA will use the funds to enhance its scholarship and internship programs, and to expand its “Location in Education” program, which was started in 2004 with funds from the previous Xcel Energy Foundation grant. “Location in Education” includes multiple GPS units, a teacher’s lesson plan, and other materials developed to introduce middle-school students to basic concepts of geospatial information.

The mission of the Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) is to provide excellence in education and information exchange on the use and benefits of geospatial information and technology in business, utility, and government applications worldwide. Visit GITA on the Web at www.gita.org.

 The goal of the Xcel Energy Foundation is to use its collective knowledge, resources, and skills to meet the needs of its communities and ensure that Xcel Energy’s service area is a highly desirable place for all people to live, work, or own a business. Visit them on the Web at www.xcelenergy.com.