Recognizing the need to educate girls in science and technology fields, the Wachovia Foundation answered the call by making a $25,000 donation to the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) initiative.
“The Girl Scouts have long history of providing engaging educational programs for girls throughout North-Central Alabama,” said Bob Gates, regional president for Wachovia in North Alabama, Birmingham and Memphis, Tenn.
“The STEM initiative will help groom the next generation of science and technology leaders in this community and we are pleased to support this program through the Wachovia Foundation.”
Girl Scouts introduces girls of every age to STEM activities that are relevant to everyday life. Whether they’re discovering how a car’s engine runs, becoming math whizzes, or learning about careers in STEM fields, girls are moving into the future. They can host science fairs, design Web sites, plan for space exploration, discover the field of meteorology, visit geological sites, and more.
“Women represent 46% of the total workforce, but only 25% are in technology fields,” Lesley Searcy, CEO of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama states. “Early interest in science, math, technology, and engineering is critical to girls’ success in these subjects, and thanks to the Wachovia Foundation, we can prepare more girls.”
Through activities such as building robots, learning how to launch their own rockets or creating a Web site, Girl Scouts helps girls build strong foundations to meet the growing need for skilled science and technology professionals worldwide.“Major corporations like Wachovia recognize that investing in the community is the key to changing it,” Donna Smith, Chairman of the Board of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama notes. “We are proud to partner with Wachovia on our math and science initiative, and look forward to developing girls with these skills who will make the world a better place.”
Pictured: Bob Gates and Chloe Miller working on multiplication tables; Hanna Miller, Chloe Miller & Bob Gates with foundation check
