The Mobile STEM Learning Center will provide girls with empowering, hands-on STEM learning opportunities in their communities! The Mobile STEM Learning Center will be equipped to engage girls, across 245,000 square miles of our council, in a girl-led and girl-focused immersive environment that will include 3D printing, drones, robotics, virtual reality, coding, microbiology, space science, and much more.
An estimated 67% of our Montana and Wyoming schools are in rural areas. This translates to hurdles that can include a lack of access to honors courses, high-level technology business exposure, as well as limited access to quality curriculum and vigorous and engaging math and science courses. By bringing our STEM programming on the road, we’re able to meet Girl Scouts where they’re at so they can continue exploring their interest in STEM and future STEM careers, helping to fill the STEM workforce pipeline, and aid in closing the STEM gender gap.
We have been fundraising for this new resource since October 2020. With a vehicle to purchase, equipment, materials and supplies, solar installation, retrofitting, long-term maintenance, fuel, insurance, and staff expenses, it has taken some time to raise enough funds to power this project. We are happy to report that the STEM Van has been purchased and the outside of the vehicle has been wrapped!
The next step to complete the STEM Van is to create a fully functional space, both inside and out. This will include custom built tables and storage cabinets inside, solar panels on top with electrical outlets, an awning on the outside, and various projector screens for demonstrations and virtual instructors. To ensure safety, we'll also be installing grab handles and stepping platforms.
Even though the STEM Van has made a few appearances, it’s not yet ready to travel extensively. Over the winter, our plans are to complete Phase 2 with a launch date of Spring 2023. The STEM Van may make small appearances at special events or programs within your community, but the inside won’t be ready to view quite yet. We have purchased a lot of technology that can be used outside of the van so that STEM programming can begin while we’re completing Phase 2.
*Donation made in memory of Dorothy Ratcliff
**In-kind donation
