A new STEM Center has opened at Camp Ledgewood’s Daley Family Campus in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) introduced the Vivian von Gruenigen, MD STEM Center of Excellence, designed to inspire young people with interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The center merges nature with modern technology. It features a meadow with a honeybee exhibit and an outdoor pavilion with bat houses and a rain garden. These elements create an engaging learning environment for visitors.
The FirstEnergy Foundation contributed significantly to this project with a $500,000 grant that funded the building's green roof. This energy-efficient roof serves as an educational tool for wind and solar energy alternatives. Torrence Hinton, FirstEnergy’s Ohio President, stated, “The roof has innovative features, like the ability to catch rainwater, and enables young women to explore unique educational opportunities.” He added that this reflects the company's dedication to supporting environmentally conscious initiatives.
Inside the center are various facilities including a podcast booth, observatory, weather station, and workshop space for digital creations. The aim is to help bridge the gender gap in STEM fields by encouraging girls' interest in these areas and providing career pathways.
Sarah Wallace, Director of STEM Experiences for GSNEO remarked on the collaborative effort behind the center's success: “Local educators, community leaders and generous donors like the FirstEnergy Foundation have come together to create a space where girls can engage in STEM learning in a safe and comfortable environment.”
Over 19,000 Girl Scouts from Northeast Ohio will have access to this facility during sleep-away camps this summer. Additionally, more than 60 night and weekend programs will be available to troops and community members. The center also plans to offer school field trip opportunities for both boys and girls.