WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Supporting efforts to give thousands of girls the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering and math, Pennsylvania College of Technology has partnered with Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania and its Girls Go STEM initiative by sponsoring the organization’s new Lewisburg-based STEM mobile.
The STEM mobile, adorned with Penn College’s logo, will be utilized by GSHPA staff traveling to community events throughout central Pennsylvania to promote STEM education for girls and young women through hands-on and collaborative activities.
The GSHPA’s Go STEM initiative builds on what girls learn in school, encouraging their knowledge, experience and confidence in STEM disciplines that can lead to careers in high-growth fields.
“Engaging young women and girls in activities that explore STEM and technical fields is an important role in helping to address the skills gap and diversity in the workforce,” said Elizabeth A. Biddle, director of corporate relations at Penn College and a graduate of the college’s plastics and polymer engineering technology major. “We are proud to partner with Girls Scouts in the Heart of PA to help female students learn more about opportunities in STEM and how a degree in hands-on technology education can lead to a rewarding career.”
Penn College’s partnership with GSHPA extends for four years and features a variety of collaborative educational efforts.
In addition to the STEM mobile being used by GSHPA staff, Penn College staff will have access to the vehicle for campus events geared toward intermediate and middle school students — in the hopes of engaging the next generation of scientists and engineers.
“Community partners like Pennsylvania College of Technology support our mission to bring mobile programming directly to girls throughout 30 counties,” said Ellen M. Kyzer, president and CEO of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania. “Penn College’s commitment to helping girls explore and develop expertise in STEM fields is building the next generation of female leaders.”
GSHPA’s Girls Go STEM initiative aligns with Penn College’s ongoing efforts to promote STEM careers to girls and young women. The college’s popular SMART (Science and Math Applications in Real-World Technologies) Girls camp provides young females opportunities to experience math and science as a foundation for careers in technology. SMART Girls was launched at the college in 2001.
For more about SMART Girls at Penn College, visit www.pct.edu/smartgirls.
For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.