Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois and East St. Louis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Partnering to Provide STEM Opportunities to Underserved Girls

The East St. Louis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (J&J) is partnering with Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) to offer underserved girls an opportunity to participate in summer enrichment programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). A grant of $3,000 from Jack and Jill of America Foundation will enable girls from East St. Louis to attend GSSI's STEM Day Camps in July.

Photo ID: (From L to R) Michele Henry-McGee, J&J Chapter President, Carolyn Brooks (GSSI), Dr. Lillian Parks (J&J), Villie M. Appoo, GSSI CEO, Lauren A. Parks (J&J), D’Jamildo Graham (J&J), Angie Suhre (GSSI) 

About Jack and Jill of America

Jack and Jill of America is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.

About Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

The mission of Girl Scouting states: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts is the world's pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to girls - all girls - where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives - like strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' In-School Scouting Program Is Turning 30 This Fall!





Girl Scouts at East St. Louis' Park Annex School in 1990.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' In-School Scouting Program is turning 30 this fall and we're going to celebrate!  In-School Scouting delivers the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls in several East St. Louis and Madison schools.  Last year, 1,331 girls received leadership and skill-building programming through In-School Scouting.   More news about the 30 year celebration is coming soon!

 

Were you a Girl Scout in GSSI's In-School Scouting program?  We'd love to hear from you!  Contact Communications & Marketing Manager Erin Johnson at ejohnson@gsofsi.org.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Providing STEM Programming in East St. Louis and Collinsville

This fall, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois has been providing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming at East St. Louis Senior High School and Collinsville High School as part of the "Imagine Your STEM Future" program.

 

Imagine Your STEM Future is designed to increase girls' interest in STEM careers and inspire them to become leaders through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This programming was funded by a grant from AT&T and Girl Scouts of the USA.   At least 200 girls will have been served by the time GSSI completes the series.

 

For more information about GSSI's STEM programs, please contact STEM Program Managers: Emily Stanley at 800.345.6858, ext. 1111 or e-mail estanley@gsofsi.org or Mary Buchanan at 800.345.6858, ext. 1115 or e-mail mbuchanan@gsofsi.org.

See more photos...

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Receives $4,000 Grant From the Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) has received a $4,000 grant from the Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis to fund STEM programs and financial assistance for girls in East St. Louis.  Girl Scouts’ goal is to send 50 East St. Louis girls to STEM Camp next summer where they will not only experience science and technology, but be able to explore nature and the outdoors as well. 

STEM and robotics are a key component of GSSI’s commitment to giving girls opportunities and guidance in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  By participating in three different robotics leagues at three different age levels, GSSI aims to engage more girls across southern Illinois in STEM, so that they can explore valuable career options, build critical thinking and technical skills and sustain a lifelong interest in topics that many girls drift away from by middle school.

“Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is very grateful to receive this grant from the Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis to provide girls in East St. Louis with STEM opportunities,” said Emily Stanley, GSSI STEM Manager.  “Engaging girls in STEM in fun, creative ways helps keep their interest in these valuable career fields, as well as develop their confidence, teamwork and problem solving abilities.”   Stanley added that through valuable partnerships with Boeing and other generous funders, GSSI’s STEM program  serves more than 1,800 girls.

GSSI’s STEM program continues to be a progressive and forward-thinking initiative that has grown exponentially in recent years.  In 2009, GSSI had just one robotics team.  In 2014, GSSI hosted 24 teams.  GSSI has dedicated staff and volunteers who develop the STEM program through research, collaborator cultivation, training and hands-on experience.

GSSI strives to offer diverse and high-quality STEM programming, such as simple circuit wiring, programming robots, exploring forensics and more.  To ensure that all girls have the chance to take advantage of these future-building opportunities, GSSI has integrated STEM activities into its outreach programs – which bring Girl Scouting to girls in underserved populations, such as low income neighborhoods, housing projects, rural communities and even detention centers.