Why We Give: Building Future STEM Leaders

For decades, Girl Scouts has been innovating in extracurricular STEM education through programs aimed at increasing girls’ STEM interest, confidence, and competence. Research shows that doing just one Girl Scout STEM activity increases girls’ understanding of STEM’s value to society. Between 2017-2021, Girl Scouts of the USA launched 100 new STEM programs, and Girl Scouts earned over 3.5 million STEM badges! The growth of Girl Scout STEM programming and education is happening locally too – thanks in part to generous supporters like the Generac Foundation.

This winter, Generac Foundation sponsored two educational Innovation Station events, which connected 85 local Girl Scouts in grades K-5 to a wide range of STEM subject matter. Girls participated in five design challenges, which offered a safe space to learn about different STEM disciplines. At each station, Girl Scouts used the design process to build, test, and improve projects, including their versions of musical instruments and carnival rides.

Innovation Station gave girls the chance to think scientifically and work together to solve a problem – while having fun. Support from partners like Generac Foundation helps shape our community’s next generation of leaders in the growing STEM space.

Learn more about community partnerships in the spring issue of Discover magazine.