Museum Partnerships Foster STEM Education for Girl Scouts

A sleepover with penguins, mastering pilot skills in a realistic flight simulator, and building robots are just a few of the experiences Girl Scouts of Northern California have enjoyed through our long-standing museum partnerships. In fiscal year 2022-23, a total of 2,429 Girl Scouts participated in museum programs, igniting their passion for STEM and opening doors to more girls entering STEM-related fields. Museums contribute invaluable resources and expertise, providing hands-on learning, enhancing the overall experience for Girl Scouts, and inspiring future STEM leaders.

For over a decade, the California Academy of Sciences has been a steadfast ally in empowering Girl Scouts through their Penguins+Pajamas Sleepovers. Hosting 2-3 annual overnights, the Academy offers a blend of interactive science presentations, stargazing in the planetarium, and of course, the ever-popular opportunity for girls to cozy up in their favorite pajamas alongside the museum’s penguin inhabitants. This event, and others like it, have fostered a love for learning and science within a supportive community. Bri Seoane, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern California, had the opportunity to attend one of the overnight events, and she says, “Penguins+Pajamas is the perfect setting for girls to not only develop a love for science but to also create memories and deepen friendships.”

For many girls, the overnight experiences not only forge friendships but also ignite their interest in STEM and the museums’ other offerings. With a partnership spanning over two decades, the Chabot Space and Science Center has inspired young scientists through their Odyssey Overnights program, where girls can learn about space rocks or space explorations. Chabot Space & Science Center also introduced a Space Science Badge which has further encouraged participation. Looking ahead, the museum’s collaboration with SETi the Pi on the "Reaching for the Stars: NASA Science for Girl Scouts" initiative promises to further expand opportunities for young scientists.

With a wide range of offerings, Girl Scouts of Northern California museum partnerships appeal to a variety of interests. With an emphasis on innovation, Tech Interactive empowers girls to explore everything from robot design to entertainment technology to forensics while Charles M. Schulz Museum sparks curiosity and creativity with their Art and Adventure overnight and Comic Artist Badge workshops.

The Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos has partnered with Girl Scouts of Northern California for more than 12 years and offers over 12 programs annually for Daisies through Cadettes. Prior to the pandemic, the collaboration culminated in hosting a significant STEM Career event. Jon Hiller, CEO of the Hiller Aviation Museum, emphasized the significance of this enduring partnership, stating, "The Hiller Aviation Museum values its partnership with Girl Scouts of Northern California as it provides us with an exceptional opportunity to engage young women throughout our service area with aviation-based STEM content. It’s our mission to inspire a sense of adventure and using science to explore how the dream of flight becomes reality. No other program that we support connects our mission quite so closely to young women."

As these partnerships continue to evolve, there are plans for expanded programming and continued growth to meet the changing needs of STEM education. With four more museum partners onboarded or in the process for the upcoming fiscal year, the future is bright for Girl Scouts seeking to explore the wonders of science and technology. These museum partnerships exemplify the power of collaboration in inspiring the next generation of female STEM leaders. With continued support from donors like you, we can further expand these programs and empower even more Girl Scouts to Level Up their STEM education and experiences.

Return to the 2023 Annual Report >>

March 12, 2024