FORT WAYNE, Indiana – The Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana‑Michiana are bringing a day of science, technology, engineering and math excitement to local girls on Saturday, Sept. 26. The organization’s 11th annual STEM Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in the Walb International Ballroom at Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Free, open to all K‑12 girls
Admission is free and no Girl Scout membership is required, allowing any girl in kindergarten through 12th grade to explore career pathways in STEM fields. Participants can register in advance through the Girl Scouts’ website, ensuring a spot in the bustling event.
Hands‑on learning and local business involvement
More than 30 area businesses and organizations will set up interactive stations where girls can try experiments, build simple robots, code basic programs, and engage with real‑world applications of science and engineering. The expo’s design encourages curiosity and confidence, giving young learners a taste of what future jobs in technology might look like.
Women leaders share their stories
Breakout sessions will feature women who have built careers in STEM, providing role models and mentorship opportunities. The highlight speaker is former NASA astronaut Dr. Sandra H. “Sandy” Magnus, who was selected for the astronaut corps in 1996 and flew on the final space‑shuttle mission, STS‑135, in 2011. Dr. Magnus also spent over four months aboard the International Space Station, giving her a unique perspective on perseverance, teamwork, and scientific discovery.
Earning a badge and building community
All attendees will earn the Girl Scout STEM Career Exploration badge, a credential that recognizes their participation and encourages continued learning. The event underscores the Girl Scouts’ commitment to fostering leadership, problem‑solving skills, and a love of discovery among the next generation of innovators.
Supporting families and schools
Parents and educators are encouraged to bring girls to the expo, as the hands‑on format complements classroom instruction and offers a safe, supportive environment for exploration. Local schools have already expressed enthusiasm, noting that the expo aligns with state education goals to strengthen STEM curricula.
How to attend
Families can register online at the Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana‑Michiana website. The event is held in the Walb International Ballroom, located on Purdue Fort Wayne’s campus, and will run for three hours, making it easy to fit into a Saturday morning schedule.
By providing free access to cutting‑edge science experiences and showcasing successful women in the field, the Girl Scouts’ STEM Expo aims to inspire Fort Wayne’s youth to pursue higher education and rewarding careers in technology and engineering.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
