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USA Girl Scouts Overseas Launches Virtual STEMinist Series, Connecting Girl Scouts Worldwide in Pandemic
April 01, 2021
At a time when many Girl Scouts around the globe could not gather in person, USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO) launched the STEMinist series- a groundbreaking program bringing girls together virtually to get hands on with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Nearly 450 Girl Scouts from around the world participated in the inaugural series, proving that distance is no barrier to STEM curiosity and learning, or sisterhood.
Born from the challenges of 2020, when troops were unable to meet locally due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the STEMinist series was designed to connect Girl Scouts in meaningful ways to STEM, each other and role models. The program combined hands-on STEM activities that girls could do at home with live, virtual sessions led by a STEM Superhero – a woman in that STEM career. This approach let Girl Scouts build a small virtual STEM community and inspired global friendships.
“Girl Scouts are problem-solvers. When the world felt disconnected, we found a way to bring girls together through the power of STEM,” said Erin Twamley, founder and program partner of the STEMinist series. “The STEMinist series gave girls a chance to keep exploring, keep creating, and keep connecting with one another across borders.” We wanted girls to experience STEM, to do STEM, even if through screens.
The launch of the STEMinist series introduced Girl Scouts to activities like:
- Designing and testing simple machines from household items.
- Exploring energy through fun, hands-on science experiments.
- Meeting real-life STEM professionals and hearing how they use innovation to make the world a better place.
The virtual format ensured that girls from dozens of countries could participate, many meeting Girl Scouts outside their local communities for the first time. The program not only fostered STEM skills but also strengthened the global bonds that make USAGSO unique.
Hear what some of our participants and their parents had to say about the series:
"I love that we get to meet a new STEM superhero every time. I love the diversity in the topics. In addition, I love that we can create our own things with the help of professionals. I especially love that all these STEM superheroes are women."
~ STEMinist Participant in France
"I love this program and would highly recommend it to all Girl Scouts. You have done amazing with the different Superheroes that you have brought to them for them to learn and it is incredible!"
~ Parent of a STEMinist Participant in the United States
"This program is awesome!! It literally has been one the highlights of the year. The presenters are such a diverse, interesting bunch who manage to put their amazing experiences on a level the girls can understand and relate to. The activities are all both educational and a ton of fun... I normally watch with my daughter and I think I enjoy them as much as she does. Great job!"
~ Parent of a STEMinist Participant in Panama
The impact of the inaugural program continues to shape USAGSO today. What began as a response to a global crisis has grown into a signature initiative, now woven into summer camps, in-person troop programming, and global events connecting Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world. The initial series became the blueprint for engaging Girl Scouts in STEM while strengthening the international bonds that make USAGSO unique.
STEM Superheroes is proud to serve as the official program partner for the STEMinist series, bringing hands-on STEM experiences to Girl Scouts worldwide.
