Memphis — Girl Scouts Heart of the South was selected as one of five councils in the country to pilot a national program and has received a $20,000 grant from Girl Scouts of the USA and Techbridge to introduce girls to the wonders of engineering and science.
“Engineer Your Journey,” funded by Noyce Foundation, engages girls in hands-on, fun, learning-by-doing activities that increase their interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers, grow their confidence in their STEM abilities, and build their leadership and STEM skills.
“Girls are interested in STEM fields and subjects and are drawn by the creative and hands-on aspects that characterize these fields,” said Melanie Schild, CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of the South. “But, by fifth grade, many girls shy away from math and science. Gender barriers persist, and about half of all girls feel that STEM isn’t a typical career path for girls. Girl Scouts is breaking down these barriers.”
“Engineer Your Journey” provides age-appropriate activities about STEM careers and corresponds with the Girl Scout Journey curriculum for girls in grades 4-5, 9-10 and 11-12. The grant will provide hands-on activity kits, books and resources for 100 girls in west Tennessee, north Miss-issippi and east Arkansas. Girls who complete the program will have the opportunity to visit local attractions to see how engineering is in action in their everyday lives.
Sharon Wofford, Girl Scout Volunteer in Nesbit, Miss., said, “This will be a great opportunity to expose the girls to exactly what the area of engineering encompasses. It will make connections of the importance of math and science and technology. Hopefully, the girls will be able to see the big picture and choose this field of study as their careers.”
Girl Scout Volunteer, Brenda Harris of Lexington, believes this program will get more girls involved and be able to participate at a deeper level. “Some of our girls are at a disadvantage because they can’t purchase materials. This is a way for them to get involved in these types of activities.”
“Engineer Your Journey” is open to Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts. Anyone interested in introducing engineering to girls through this program may contact Lori Gilmore at EYJ@girlscoutshs.org.
