Microsoft Store Workshops Help Girl Scouts Earn STEM Badges

Microsoft is working with Girl Scouts of the USA to offer badge workshops in its retail stores. By completing these workshops, Girl Scouts can earn up to five different badges for STEM-related topics. The workshops, according to Microsoft, are intended to help teach 'vital digital skills' and encourage girls to pursue future careers in technology, math, and related fields.

The workshops are located at Microsoft Stores, where girls in the Girl Scouts program can meet with female STEM experts and former Girl Scouts to learn about math, science, technology, and engineering. A total of five STEM-related badges are available to Girl Scouts who complete all of the free workshops.

Previous research has found that getting girls to engage in STEM-related activities and meet with women who work in the field are more likely to pursue similar career fields when they are older. Preparing kids for future jobs in technology and related fields is important as the world becomes increasingly automated and digital.

One of the key benefits of offering these workshops in Microsoft Stores is the ability to go hands-on with a variety of technologies. The STEM-badges are available to Girl Scouts in the following ranks: Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes.

Participating girls can expect to learn about digital photography, computers, robotics, and how to make movies. Microsoft first worked with Girl Scouts of the USA earlier this year to test the workshops in a pilot across a few states.