(News Release from Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana)
Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana (GSNI-M) is pleased to announce that the council has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the American Electric Power Foundation to enhance its focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming.
In particular, the grant will allow the council to create “makerspaces” at Girl Scout facilities including Camp McMillen in rural Huntertown and Camp Soni Springs in Three Oaks, Mich. Makerspaces provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage girls to design, experiment, build and invent as they engage in science, engineering and tinkering. A makerspace is not just a science lab, woodshop, computer lab or art room, but it may contain elements found in all these spaces.
“We are honored to accept this generous donation from the AEP Foundation,” said GSNI-M CEO Sharon Pohly. “Thanks to support from AEP and other corporate and individual gifts, we will increase and strengthen our high-quality, girl-empowering programs that help give girls a level playing field in STEM careers and prepare them to be the leaders of tomorrow.”
“Education is the foundation of brighter futures for our communities,” said Janelle Coleman, vice president AEP Corporate Philanthropy & Community Engagement and president of the AEP Foundation. “We are pleased to support learning opportunities for all students, especially girls, in pursuit of STEM education which hold promise of future innovation.”
For more information, visit www.gsnim.org.
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About Girl Scouts® and Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana
Today, as when founded in 1912, Girl Scouts® helps cultivate values, social conscience and self-esteem in young girls, enabling them to succeed as leaders today and tomorrow. Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana provides leadership experiences for more than 6,000 girls ages 5-17. They are guided by more than 3,000 adult volunteers who mentor them and work behind-the-scenes to support Girl Scouts and our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
About American Electric Power Foundation The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power and its operating subsidiaries. The Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives involving higher dollar values and multi-year commitments in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s 11-state service area. The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger. Other foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, support healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.