Rochester High School Student Starts Successful GISc Program

Learn how a Rochester high school student started a GISc program in his town. Read more here!

Data has transformed the way we live. There is so much information available to us these days that we can use it to make pinpoint and informed decisions that go beyond educated guesses or hunches. Data can be leveraged in almost any area of life and industry. Thomas Cuyler, a high school senior at School Without Walls in Rochester, New York, has decided to do both.

According to the Democrat & Chronicle newspaper, two years ago, the former mayor of Rochester Thomas Richards earmarked $200,000–divided equally between four quadrants of the city–to be used for projects that had been developed and designed by citizens to make a positive impact on their neighborhoods.

In the Northeast quadrant, where Cuyler lives, $50,000 was awarded to help expand his GIS Scholars program, which gives students an opportunity to learn more about the technology used in Geographic Information Science (GISc).

“The students will create a mapping project designed to assist with crime prevention in selected areas,” the Democrat & Chronicle wrote, adding, “The students will also create maps to plot variables surrounding crime such as property ownership, poverty, proximity to services and others.”

Two years later, the program is a success. In a separate article, the Democrat & Chronicle newspaper revealed that the group is in the process of creating an interactive map that highlights street-level information such as high crime areas, the public transportation routes that run through them, the associated housing conditions, and the number of businesses and schools that are either in or in close proximity to these areas.

GIS Scholars has also partnered with the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency. The organization serves as a subcontractor to better understand corner stores in Rochester that are deemed ‘high impact’ when it comes to crime and illegal activity taking place outside of them. The group has also teamed up with Monroe Community College, which has offered discounts on courses for students enrolled in the program, as well as providing them with equipment and office space to use.

In short, the interest in using geospatial technology to better understand the neighborhoods they live in has opened up students in the program to pursue GIS as a career. “There are actual positions out there that these kids can aspire to,” Jonathan Little, a professor at MCC who works closely with the GIS Scholars program, told the newspaper in a separate article. “This gives them a foot in the door,” said Johnathon Little.

The editorial team at Kent State Online is composed of dedicated professionals with expertise in higher education, digital marketing, and content strategy. Our mission is to create insightful, engaging, and informative content that empowers prospective students to make informed decisions about advancing their education and careers.
Latest Blogs
Kent State University is proud to welcome Assistant Professor Patrick Bitterman, Ph.D., who joined us as a new tenure-track faculty member in the Department of Geography at Kent State University this semester! Bitterman comes to us from the School of Global Integrative Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he worked as an assistant professor of geography since 2019 and as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Vermont (2017-2019).
Natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes can devastate communities, but Geographic Information Science (GISc) plays a critical role in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from these events. By leveraging spatial data and advanced technology, GIS professionals provide actionable insights that save lives, protect property, and guide recovery efforts.
Kent State University continues to be recognized for its excellence in online education, earning high marks in U.S. News & World Report’s newly released 2025 Best Online Programs rankings. The university’s online programs have been ranked among the best in the nation, reflecting Kent State’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education.
Explore Our Online Programs
Find a Program
Online Minors
Online Non-Degree Graduate Licensure Programs
Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Center for Adult Veteran Services
Approximately 1,500 international students from 100 countries are enrolled at Kent State University. We’re excited to have you join us, and our international admission team is here to help you every step of the way.
About Kent State Online
Contact Us
Tuition and Costs
Meet Our Faculty
Contact Us