Girl Scouts Celebrate Girls in STEM at Annual STEM Expo
October 16, 2023
The Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana (GSNI-M) held their annual STEM Expo on October 7, 2023, at Purdue University Fort Wayne, emphasizing their dedication to fostering girls' interest in STEM. The event showcased various engaging activities, covering subjects such as engineering, robotics, animal science, criminology, environmental preservation, and 3D printing. GSNI-M's commitment to promoting a "fun with purpose" curriculum from K–12 years contributes significantly to bridging the gender gap in STEM fields.
"STEM is not just a set of subjects; it's a gateway to exciting career opportunities and a means to shape a bright future. The Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana are dedicated to providing girls with progressive and interactive STEM experiences outside of the classroom setting," said Sharon Pohly, Chief Executive Officer at GSNI-M. Participants in Girl Scout STEM programs have experienced enhanced confidence in mathematics and science skills, along with a heightened enthusiasm for potential STEM careers, paving the way for a more inclusive future in the field.
The STEM Expo featured 30 exhibitors promoting the diverse opportunities in STEM and drew the participation of approximately 150 community girls and Girl Scouts. The event concluded with a STEM prize raffle, where attendees had the chance to win interactive tools like circuit electronics exploration kits and drones, enabling them to continue their exploration following the event.
The successful execution of the STEM Expo was made possible by the generous sponsorship of companies such as PNC Bank, Sweetwater, Steel Dynamics, Rea Magnet Wire, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, Corsica Technologies, and Custom Awning, underlining the community's support for empowering young girls in STEM.
Caregivers and educators are encouraged to explore the multitude of STEM activities and opportunities for girls in the community by visiting the Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana website at gsnim.org.
