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The 2026 Arizona Geographic Information Council (AGIC) ArcGIS Online Student Competition challenges students across the state to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create and share ArcGIS StoryMaps focused on a topic about Arizona. They will use GIS to explore, analyze, and feature a topic with cultural, environmental, or other significant impact on the state. Students will answer an Arizona-based question, propose a solution to an Arizona-based problem, or address an Arizona-based issue of their choice.
The Competition is open to all Arizona students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Students will analyze, interpret, and present data through one or more maps and deliver through an ArcGIS StoryMap. Students must have an adult sponsor, either a teacher, a mentor, a parent, or other adult involved in the student’s education.
There is no fee to enter the competition and students will have access to GIS tools, including ArcGIS StoryMaps, either through their school or provided by the competition. Refer to the ArcGIS Online Accounts page for more details.
The Basics of the Student Competition
The Basics of the Student Competition
Eligibility
Eligibility
Entrants must be 18 years of age or less. Students can work individually or in teams of two but can participate in only one entry. Adult sponsors for elementary students (grades K-5) also have the option of submitting one entry for an entire class.
Entries are submitted into one of the three following divisions: Elementary School (grades K-5), Middle School (grades 6-8), and High School (grades 9-12). Entries in each division will be judged and awarded separately.
How To Enter the Competition
How To Enter the Competition
One adult sponsor registers their student(s) no later than April 3, 2026
Registered sponsors will be contacted later with information on how to submit entries
Students must submit their project as an ArcGIS StoryMap, which requires an ArcGIS Online Account
Refer to the ArcGIS Online Accounts page to learn how to get ArcGIS Online accounts for your students.
Adult sponsor promotes the competition and supports students in the creation of an ArcGIS StoryMap that answers an Arizona-based question, proposes a solution to an Arizona-based problem, or addresses an Arizona-based issue.
The student's entry will be disqualified if it is not focused on Arizona
(Optional) For an opportunity for the student to receive mentoring feedback from a GIS Professional, they may submit a draft entry no later than March 13, 2026
Students will receive feedback and be able to resubmit by the contest deadline
Students submit their completed StoryMaps to their adult sponsors, who review the completed StoryMaps and, if approved, submit them to the competition no later than April 10, 2026
While students may use any GIS software to conduct analysis, process data, and create their map, all entries must be submitted as an ArcGIS StoryMap
AGIC Competition Judges review the entries and select three high school (9-12), three middle school (6-8), and three elementary school (K-5) winners
Refer to the Judging page for more details
Adult Sponsors are notified of the winners by April 24, 2026
Prizes are distributed soon after the winners are announced
Registration Form
Special Thank You!
Special Thank You!
A special thank you to the Arizona Geographic Information Council (AGIC) for organizing this competition and to the Competition Leadership Team coordinating the event.
Lori Rubino-Hare, Research Associate, NAU Center for STEM Teaching and Learning
Lucas Murray, Data Analytics Manager, Arizona Department of Transportation
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