Community Corner

Girl Scout Study: Girls Do Like Science

A study by the Girl Scout Research Institute shows more young women are seeking education advancement in math, science and technology.

By Jan Barker

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan

Girls are interested in careers in science, technology, engineering and math, but they don’t consider them to be their first choice, according to a recent study by the Girl Scout Research Institute. The study tells us that girls know they are smart enough to pursue a field in science, technology, engineering and math, but don’t know enough about available careers. That’s where Girl Scouting comes in.

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Here at Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan we created a program called Brain STEM. Girls have fun learning to design a dome with gumdrops, create batteries out of food, build a rocket, fix broken machines, play equation bingo and make a car that runs on rubber bands. The girls also go on field trips to learn more about these careers and what it takes to land jobs. Girls realize they can study science, technology, engineering and math in college.

What do girls find appealing about science, technology, engineering and math?  They like to solve problems, build things and put things together. They like hands-on science projects and are curious about how things work. They like the challenge of exploring, discovering and seeking answers. They want careers that can help people and make a difference in the world.

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“Generation STEM: What Girls Say about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math” was a nationwide study involving 1,000 girls ages 14-17, via survey (852 girls) and focus groups (148 girls). Seventy-four of the girls surveyed said that they were interested in "STEM" subjects. Of those girls, 81 percent were interested in careers in those fields, but only 13 percent said a “STEM” career would be their first choice. Half of the girls surveyed said that science and technology would not be a typical career path for girls and 57 percent said they would have to work harder than a man to be taken seriously in a "STEM" career.

The challenges of the 21st century are complex, inter-related and global. Girl Scouting is developing the leaders of tomorrow, adding new talent when it is critically needed.

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan is leading the way in helping girls succeed by teaching them problem solving and critical thinking skills. Girls learn to embrace challenges and discover they can make a difference in the world.

You can help support girls as they study science, technology and math by serving as mentors and providing learning opportunities. To volunteer, call Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan at 1-800-497-2688.


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