The Alliance prepares teachers to tackle a major re-emphasis on geography teaching and learning at the state level. In 1993, Pennsylvania made geography a required subject of the middle and high school curricula, as well as the elementary.

Each member of the Alliance is an active participant. Teachers who attend the annual summer institutes - intensive, two-week explorations of geography content, effective geography teaching strategies, and in-service presentations - share the knowledge they gain with others during in-service workshops. To date, over 200 institute graduates, or Teacher Consultants are available in every intermediate unit in the state to lead workshops, and 7,000 teachers have attended one or more workshops.

Lesson plans, curriculum materials, and public awareness programs are also provided by the Alliance on a free or at-cost basis. The Alliance cooperates with intermediates units, state universities, and national leaders in the field of geographic education, such as the National Geographic Society and the National Council for Geographic Education. All Alliance members receive a semiannual newsletter to keep them abreast of new opportunities and teaching strategies.

With funding from the National Geographic Society, Pennsylvania Department of Education Eisenhower Professional Development Program, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, foundations, and numerous other universities and schools, the Alliance is able to support its activities without charging any membership dues.