Building the Future: Girls STEM Conference on International Women’s Day

STEM Conference Open to ALL Girls on March 8th

At Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey (GSCSNJ), we are committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character — and that includes ensuring they have access to STEM education that inspires them to lead and innovate. While STEM has been a core focus of Girl Scouting for years, we know there is still work to be done in closing the gender gap in STEM careers. That’s why we are proud to host our Annual STEM Conference — our signature STEM event — on a day that carries global significance: International Women’s Day.

Why International Women’s Day Matters for STEM

On March 8, 2025, as the world recognizes women’s achievements and calls for action toward gender equality, GSCSNJ will bring together girls at Rowan College at Burlington County to explore the endless possibilities of STEM. This year’s theme, “Spark Your Curiosity!”, is all about igniting interest, building confidence, and showing girls that they belong in STEM spaces.

The reality is clear: women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, holding less than 30% of STEM jobs in the U.S. While progress has been made, many girls still don’t see themselves in STEM careers simply because they haven’t been given the chance to explore, experiment, and engage with these subjects in a way that feels relevant to them. The Girl Scouts STEM Conference changes that.

Why This Event Matters for Girl Families

For busy families juggling multiple commitments, we know that choosing where to spend your time matters. This event isn’t just another extracurricular — it’s an opportunity for your girl to see herself as a scientist, engineer, or innovator. It’s a chance to connect with role models, learn new skills, and build confidence in a setting designed just for her.

As Girl Scouts, we believe that exposure leads to opportunity. When girls experience STEM in an environment where they feel welcomed and supported, they are more likely to see themselves in STEM careers and leadership roles in the future.

What Girls Will Experience

This one-day conference is designed specifically for girls, from Kindergarten through 12th grade, to discover STEM through interactive, hands-on experiences. Each girl will participate in age-appropriate workshops, giving them access to real-world STEM applications in a fun and engaging environment.

Some of this year’s program highlights include:

• Robotics & Coding — Girls will build and program robots, seeing their creations come to life in exciting challenges.
• Environmental Science — From hands-on experiments to discussions on sustainability, girls will explore how STEM can help protect the planet.
• Astronomy & Space Science — A traveling planetarium will give girls a chance to explore the solar system and understand the universe in a whole new way.
• Engineering Challenges — Whether designing bridges or roller coasters, girls will learn how to think like engineers and problem-solve through trial and error.
• Chemistry Experiments — Hands-on lab activities will introduce girls to the science behind chemical reactions and materials in everyday life.
• Technology & Innovation — Girls will explore app development, virtual reality, and the latest in tech, seeing firsthand how these innovations shape the world around them.

Every participant will receive a 2025 STEM Conference Fun Patch, a reminder of their experience and a symbol of their courage to explore new possibilities.

How to Get Your Girl Registered

The deadline to sign up is February 19, 2025. This signature event is a one-of-a-kind experience, and we encourage every Girl Scout family to take advantage of it.

On International Women’s Day, we’re not just celebrating women’s achievements — we’re investing in the next generation of female leaders in STEM.

For more information, visit www.gscsnj.org or email info@gscsnj.org