BSA’s STEM Scouts Expands Pilot to 12 Councils
Combine Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) with Scouting and you’re preparing kids for challenging and rewarding careers. As first shared on Scouting Newsroom, that’s what the BSA envisions as the STEM Scouts pilot program expands to councils across the country.
The STEM Scouts program sparked success in East Tennessee. That’s why the BSA’s National Executive Board approved a plan to extend the pilot program to 12 additional councils.
“As one of the leading youth-serving organizations, we have a responsibility to provide young people with new, relevant, and fresh programs and experiences that will have long-lasting impacts on their lives,” said Wayne Brock, the BSA’s Chief Scout Executive. “Today’s youth crave hands-on learning experiences and STEM Scouts fills that need while honoring Scouting’s proven and impactful values and ideals. The success of the pilot program has given our movement direction on how we can continue to innovate our programs and help youth rethink how Scouting can impact their lives.”
The 12 councils approved to participate in the expansion of the pilot program, pending their boards’ approval, include:
- 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)
What are STEM Scouts?
STEM Scouts are boys and girls, grades third through 12th, who get to experience age-tailored science experiments and STEM adventures. STEM Scouts also have opportunities to publish their research in peer-reviewed journals.
Instead of “Troops,” STEM Scouts are grouped into “Labs”. Labs meet weekly after school and take regular field trips. STEM Scout mobile units pack a ton of adventure and learning into traveling innovation stations.
As the pilot program prepares to expand to more councils, learn about it by heading to the STEM Scouts website. There, you’ll find blogs, FAQs, and have the opportunity to connect with the program on Social Media.