From Joseph Kerski, Esri Education Manager:
An article in Geospatial World about why GIS in education matters: https://www.geospatialworld.net/blogs/why-gis-in-education-matters/
Compilation of statements about the importance of spatial data: https://spatialreserves.wordpress.com/2018/08/06/key-statements-about-the-importance-of-spatial-data/