The STEM Scouts Pilot Program Accelerates

Remember this April when we announced the STEM Scout pilot program was expanding to 12 councils? Well a lot has happened in the STEM Scouts world since then, and we want to keep you up to speed as the program prepares for recruitment season this fall.

Let’s start by recapping how we got to this point.

The program originally sparked major success in East Tennessee. That’s why the BSA’s National Executive Board approved a plan to extend the pilot program to these 12 additional councils:

• Capitol Area Council (Austin, TX)
• Catalina Council (Tucson, AZ)
• Circle Ten Council (Dallas, TX)
• Connecticut Rivers Council (East Hartford, CT)
• Crossroads of America Council (Indianapolis)
• Denver Area Council
• Garden State Council (Millville, NJ)
• Greater St. Louis Area Council
• Middle Tennessee Council (Nashville, TN)
• Pathway to Adventure (Chicago, IL)
• Sam Houston Area Council (Houston)
• Samoset Council (Weston, WI)

These councils are focused on providing exciting ways for girls and boys, grades three to 12, to learn more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Since April, the councils have focused on getting the leadership in place to execute and recruit for this one-of-a-kind program.

In July, STEM Scouts Executives met in Knoxville, TN, for training.

They’ve even made the news in the process. For instance, one group of STEM Scouts headed to the Summit to explore the science behind the High-Adventure base’s activities, as Knoxville’s ABC 6 reported. Another group of STEM Scouts from the Catalina Council took to KGUN 9’s The Morning Blend to share why they love the program.

Last month STEM Scouts executives met in Knoxville, TN, to train with Directors of STEM Programs April McMillan and Trent Nichols (catch our #BSA5Questions with the duo). Their teams are well underway in identifying great sponsors for STEM Labs, from businesses to schools. Volunteers and Lab Guides are assembling, and a brand new design for STEMScouts.org will roll out soon.

As the program heads into fall and its ranks fill with young minds ready to explore STEM, we’re excited to see what’s next for the program.

Let us know: is there STEM Scouts pilot program in your area?