In the modern era, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have revolutionized diverse fields yet a deficiency in geographical education lingers in the U.S. educational system. This dissertation offers a thorough analysis of this gap, focusing on the potential of the GIS as an innovative solution for enriching geographical education. The Geospatial Semester program (GSS) is used as the case of this study, which is a novel educational model, is designed to provide hands-on GIS experience, enhance students' spatial thinking abilities, and improve real-world problem-solving skills. Despite facing challenges, such as complex GIS technicalities, the program maintains a flexible and innovative curriculum to counter these hurdles. This program emphasizes real-world applications and encourages independent learning experiences, thereby augmenting students' understanding of real-world geographical issues. This study delves into the experiences of teachers in the GSS program, highlighting the significant transition from traditional teaching methodologies to a project-based approach. This shift plays a crucial role in fostering active learning and nurturing problem-solving skills among students. Teachers from various disciplines contribute unique insights to the program, underscoring the versatility of GIS in cultivating a deep spatial understanding, improving students' problem-solving skills, and its potential to open doors to future college or career opportunities. The research findings highlight the urgent need and potential advantages of integrating GIS into U.S. high schools. While the GSS program may not be exclusively focused on geography, it serves as a distinctive model for geography education by providing students with the vital geographical skills to navigate the dynamic world of GIS. This paper emphasizes the importance of geography education and the significant role that GIS plays in its enhancement. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]