Girl Scouts Mark National Engineering Week and Build Strong Futures

February 24, 2004

By Ellen Christie, staff writer

	Girl Scouts share their excitement for engineering with Indianapolis race car driver Sarah Fisher.

Girl Scouts have a lot to celebrate during National Engineering Week, which runs from February 22 to February 28 this year. Groundbreaking projects with Intel, IBM, the Society of Women Engineers, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, NASA, and the National Science Foundation are helping more girls in the U.S. gain confidence, technological skills, career exploration opportunities, and hands-on experience in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology.

Constructing a Support System

Opportunities are made possible through a Lockheed Martin Science Career Exploration Fund and give girls the chance to pursue their interests in supportive, hands-on, non-competitive environments. Projects like the Intel Fair Play Camps, a two-week science camp that gives girls firsthand experience exploring science and engineering topics and related computer applications, provide unprecedented ways for girls to develop their potential.

Bridging the Gap

According to the National Science Foundation, women constitute 46% of the U.S. labor force, but only 22% of scientists and engineers. Although young girls are precocious learners, by fifth grade many girls shy away from math and science. Academic stereotypes and lack of encouragement for girls have caused fewer girls to take science or math classes than boys and to pursue higher education/careers in these fields. Girl Scouts of the USA is working to reverse this gender gap. Today Girl Scouts of all ages can work toward more than 90 badges and other awards relating to math, science, engineering, and technology.

In addition, the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) continues to examine the need for and effectiveness of engaging girls in science and technology—not only from a young age, but also through their adolescent years. A recent GSRI study showed that girls tend to make career choices based on their role models rather than their academic interests. The study also revealed that the top interest of thousands of girls ages 14-16 was cars! So last year Girl Scouts partnered with young race car driver Sarah Fisher for the Indianapolis 500 and the 2003 Indy Racing League season. Her car's wing and her driversuit sported the Girl Scout service mark, and Fisher made personal appearances to talk with and inspire Girl Scouts all across the nation. Known for her command of auto mechanics, Fisher considers engineering so important that she is studying for a college degree in mechanical engineering in hopes of finding ways to enhance the technology of open-wheel racing.

Leading the Charge

On February 11, 2004, Girl Scouts honored Myrtle Potter, a leader in the biotechnology industry and Genentech's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, with the esteemed Girl Scouts of the USA National Woman of Distinction Award. The award is given to women who represent professional and personal accomplishments and are stellar role models for girls. Read more about that event in the news release and GSUSA's commitment to strengthening and encouraging girls everywhere.

For more information about getting a girl you know involved in math, science, and technology, contact your local Girl Scout council.