Building The Future With STEM Starts With You

 

    There’s so much hidden inside the fascinating world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). When Girl Scouts learn about scientists exploring the deepest reaches of space, reaching supersonic flight, or creating new worlds in the metaverse, we show them they have the potential to make the world a better place. Caring adults are essential to encouraging a love for STEM by encouraging girls to explore through hands-on activities as they discover real-life applications and find creative solutions through STEM that help them shape their interests and future. So, we’ve developed a new STEM Playbook, made possible with support from General Motors, to help you confidently deliver fun and interactive STEM programming to girls.


    When Girl Scouts learn about STEM, they learn all sorts of things. Here are a few of the many benefits of introducing STEM into your Troop Year:

Breaking Stereotypes:

    Representation matters. When Girl Scouts don’t see women in STEM, they don’t see themselves pursuing it as an interest. By showing girls they can excel in fields traditionally dominated by men, we open doors to a world of endless possibilities. Proving anyone can be a scientist, engineer, or mathematician. 

Solving Real-World Problems:

    STEM empowers girls to find solutions to real-world problems. Girl Scouts can use their creativity to solve problems they see in their communities. Learning about climate change and plastic pollution, girls can find solutions like designing a water filtration system built from recyclable materials, reducing plastic waste, and providing clean drinking water to their neighbors.  

Inspiring Innovation:

    Girls in STEM bring fresh perspectives to the table. They see problems from unique angles and come up with groundbreaking solutions. When Girl Scouts bring their experience to STEM, they can dream up creative ways to change the world.

Shaping a Brighter Future:

    Imagine a world where more girls pursue STEM. It's a world where diseases are cured, clean energy powers our cities, and climate change is mitigated. It's a world where equality thrives, and opportunities are limitless. 



    When we learn about STEM together we shape a better world, one discovery at a time.

    STEM is about more than just numbers and equations. It's about unlocking the potential within every Girl Scout and empowering them to change the world. Together, we can encourage girls to explore the wonders of STEM, to dream big, and to believe in their ability to make a difference. 


    Girl Scouts has the resources to help. Download the new STEM Playbook, your go-to resource to help you confidently and easily deliver STEM programming. Check out STEM-inspired activities in the Girl Scouts Activity Zone, and the Girl Scouts Destinations Pacific Exploration in STEM to name a few. Together, we can give Girl Scouts the confidence and skills to take on any challenge that comes their way.

Black History Month: Celebrating and Continuing Legacy

 

    Get ready to be inspired this Black History Month by these remarkable Girl Scouts who are making a significant impact on the world and their communities. These girls embody resilience, and leadership, and are actively shaping history today. Get ready to meet stars who are making waves not just during Black History Month but well beyond!


    What's even more awesome? Each story isn't just about the here and now. It's a continuation of progress, a legacy, and carrying on the work of those who paved the way. So, during February, let's celebrate the possibilities and the work led by today’s girl leaders.

    Last year, Girl Scout Trinity earned her Gold Award with her work, "Educating Youth on Natural Hair Care and Hygiene," celebrating natural hairstyles for girls of color. Collaborating with her team, Trinity authored, illustrated, and published a book celebrating natural hairstyles for girls of color. This book also served as a key resource in workshops Trinity organized, where she shared knowledge on proper hair care and encouraged the embrace of hairstyles that celebrate natural textures, fostering confidence in the process. Additionally, she donated copies of her book to local schools and libraries, to ensure a lasting impact on future readers. Her impact in her community continued, as she conducted book readings for over 350 students, making significant strides in education and representation for girls of color everywhere.

    Girl Scouts Morgan and Maya aimed to inspire positive change in their community through their Silver Award documentary, "Telling Our Story: Charlotte's Black History." Inspired by their Bronze Award project dedicated to civil rights pioneer Dorothy Counts-Scoggins, the girls aimed to uncover and share lesser-known aspects of Charlotte's Black history. The documentary features interviews with influential figures such as Counts-Scoggins, Harvey B. Gantt, and Kass Ottley, exploring various facets of the city's history from the Black perspective. The film showcased the significance of Black leaders in areas like housing, education, culture, and the Black Lives Matter movement. These Girl Scouts also aspire to integrate the documentary into their local curriculum, to help broaden understanding of the city's Black history.

 

    Girl Scout Melia took on a mission to diversify books within her local schools' libraries after noticing a lack of representation in her school library. She was also inspired by the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign and collected nearly 300 books featuring Black girls as main characters. Melia also partnered with a Black woman-owned bookstore in her area to promote African-American-focused literature. The books that were collected were distributed to schools and the Boys and Girls Club, fostering representation and building self-esteem among young readers.

 

    Gold Award Girl Scout alum Rachel, wanted to encourage and equip Black teenage girls aged 14 to 18, for success in their future careers. She noticed the lack of representation of female Black executive leadership in business and wanted to inspire girls early to gain the skills and confidence to step into the world of business. Doing so she created her program Black Girls Mean Business which provides resources such as workshops, networking tools, and even connections to mentors.