After five years of “Dreaming Big,” wishing and planning, the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland made history during the recent AEP Foundation STEM Leadership Center and CK Construction Maker Space ribbon-cutting ceremony.
This state-of-the-art facility on the Battelle Science & Innovation Campus at Camp Ken-Jockety is the largest Girl Scout STEM center in the United States.
Girls and students from around the community came to learn and have fun while being exposed to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and trades such as automation, logistics, mechanics, welding, construction, mechanical engineering, robotics and more.
Empowering Future Leaders in STEM
This 25,000-square-foot, cutting-edge facility is designed to ignite curiosity and foster future leaders in STEM careers. From interactive labs to hands-on workshops, the new center offers girls unprecedented access to learn critical skills for tomorrow’s workforce.
“Now more than ever, we need a strong pipeline of innovative leaders and STEM professionals to continue building the energy grid of the future,” said Janelle Coleman, AEP’s vice president of Community Engagement and Inclusion and president of the AEP Foundation. “The AEP Foundation is proud to fund these hands-on activities that will inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and empower girls to pursue exciting opportunities in technical career fields.”
A Resource for the Community
Powered by the Girl Scouts’ $16 million “Dream Big” campaign initiative, the Science & Innovation Campus offers a unique learning ecosystem where girls can experiment, explore and innovate. The center isn't just a space for Girl Scouts. The campus includes resources for community groups, local schools, businesses and various organizations.
- AEP Foundation STEM Leadership Center: Features community spaces, science and technology labs, cutting-edge learning resources, a two-story fireplace, and a roof deck patio.
- CK Construction Maker Space: Designed for hands-on learning in trade skills like welding, mechanics and carpentry.
- Nationwide Foundation Environmental Center: Renovated with a new teaching kitchen for farm-to-table programs and outdoor learning spaces.
Celebrating Community Partnerships
This initiative was made possible through the collective efforts of community partners. Key supporters include the AEP Foundation, Battelle, the Nationwide
Foundation and others. These collaborative contributions reflect a shared commitment to closing the gender gap in STEM careers.
Tammy Wharton, president & chief executive officer at Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland, emphasized the center’s mission: “Tomorrow starts today! The opening of the STEM Leadership Center and Maker Space celebrates our effort to empower young girls to explore fulfilling careers in STEM fields.”
The facility will be officially unveiled to the community in January.
For more information on the “Dream Big” initiative and how to support the STEM Leadership Center, please visit www.gsoh.org/dreambig.