Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day comes to Juneau

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day comes to Juneau

Popular hands-on science event comes to town for first time

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day has been an event in Anchorage for years, and now it’s coming to Juneau.

The collaboration between Girl Scouts of Alaska and ExxonMobil is meant to encourage an interest in science, technology, engineering and math, and it will bring hands-on STEM learning opportunities to Centennial Hall from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

“We’ve been hoping that they would bring this down for years, so I’m really excited,” said Alyson Cooper, membership specialist for Southeast Alaska for Girl Scouts of Alaska. “We have done a lot of work to bring lots of science, technology, engineering and math to the girls. It’s hands-on, it’s all about those things that make it a Girl Scout event.”

The event, which is part of a worldwide campaign, will include experiments, interaction with role models and more.

“We have girls who are really excited,” said Kelly FitzGerald, STEM director for Girl Scouts of Alaska. “But we do have space available.”

Introduce a Girl to STEM Day is free and open to all girls in fifth through eighth grade, FitzGerald said — even non Scouts.

“At GirlScoutsAlaska.org and click on activities, they will be able to see the link to register,” FitzGerald said. “It is free and girls receive a free T-shirt, a goodie bag, patch and lunch is provided.”

Two engineers for ExxonMobil Alaska, who will participate in Saturday’s event said they are fans of the program, and it can make a difference.

Sonia Laughland, environmental and regulatory adviser for ExxonMobil Alaska, and Erin Sage, risk and safety adviser for ExxonMobil Alaska, were both interested in STEM-related subjects as children.

“My first toy was a calculator,” Sage said. “I always loved math. That was something I always wanted to pursue.”

But Sage and Laughland did not specifically know engineering was something they would be interesting until they were older and had firsthand experience with engineers and the world of engineering.

“I wish I had learned about the exciting part of being an engineer much earlier on.” Laughland said.

She will helm one of the more popular hands-on stations during Saturday’s event and hopes to share some of that excitement.

“We’re actually going to be making chapstick using oils and butters,” Laughland said. “In the past, it’s definitely been a crowd pleaser.”

Know & Go

What: Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

Where: Centennial Hall, 101 Egan Drive.

When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday.

Admission: Free, but registration ahead online is required.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast for the week of March 18

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

A board in the House Chambers at the Alaska State Capitol shows Monday’s vote tally of 39-20 to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of Senate Bill 140, one vote short of the two-thirds necessary. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Legislature fails by a single vote of 39-20 to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of education bill

Legislators warn bad blood may hamper other issues as numerous Republicans abandon earlier support.

With COVID-19 aid, more schools gave students and families experiencing homelessness prepaid cards to buy necessities like groceries and gas. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)
Grocery cards and car repairs: How COVID aid changed the way schools can help homeless kids

Juneau student services specialist among those finding creative ways to provide assistance.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturay, March 16, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, March 15, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy discusses his veto of a wide-ranging education bill during a press conference Friday at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Veto override vote on education bill expected to have consequences — and no assurance of extra funds

Retaliation by governor, fractured relationships within Legislature on other issues among concerns.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Thursday, March 14, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Kaskanak Creek in the Bristol Bay’s Kvichak watershed is seen from the air on Sept. 27, 2011. Threats to the watershed and other sites were cited by the Environmental Protection Agency when it issued a decision barring permitting of the Pebble mine. But the Dunleavy administration and Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. have taken legal action to try to reverse that decision. (Photo provided by Environmental Protection Agency
State lawsuit claims federal government owes Alaska $700 billion for quashing Pebble mine

The federal government owes Alaska more than $700 billion in compensation for… Continue reading

Tongass National Forest (Photo by U.S. Forest Service)
New Department of Interior opinion promises to recognize expanded tribal jurisdiction in Alaska

Tribes can exert jurisdiction over allotments granted to individual Natives, opinion states.

Most Read