Women make up less than one-third of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce in 146 nations, according to WEF's Global Gender Gap Report 2023. The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is doing its part to close that gender gap by introducing a STEM Playbook.
During the past few years, Girl Scout councils have expressed the need for additional resources to support STEM participation. Those calls have come partly because Girl Scouts have earned more than 5 million badges in those areas since 2018. The playbook, supported by General Motors, gives adults ideas for hands-on activities to engage Girl Scouts in STEM.
"This new playbook provides the support our troop leaders and volunteers want and need as they engage in STEM activities with their Girl Scouts in exciting new ways," says Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of GSUSA.
"Programs like these are inspiring the next generation of women leaders and visionaries in STEM fields," adds Kristen Puchek, chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer at General Motors.
Because many adults who work with the Girl Scouts aren't science or engineering experts, the playbook is designed for nonexperts. The hope for GSUSA is that the increased investment will give troop leaders and volunteers easily accessible support and resources to help Girl Scouts through their individual STEM journeys.
