From a Singular Classroom Experience to East Brunswick Community Impact: Meet Kailynn DuRose

The story of turning a personal experience into positive change for the community, meet Kailynn.

Cherry Hill, New Jersey (October 12, 2023) - When Kailynn DuRose, a proud 9th grader from Churchill Junior High School, stepped into her first Engineering class elective, she might have expected to see more familiar faces. Instead, she found herself as one of only three girls in a classroom of thirty. But rather than retreat, Kailynn found her mission.

From being a dedicated member of East Brunswick's Troop 81164 since the young age of 5, Girl Scouting has always been a significant part of Kailynn's life. Her journey saw her delve into numerous Girl Scout engineering programs, equipping her with both the courage and vision she would need.

She recalls, "The feeling of being surprised in that engineering class made me think - how many other young girls might be missing out simply because they're unaware of the opportunities?"

Drawing from her experiences, Kailynn decided to bridge the gender gap she witnessed for her Girl Scout Silver Award. The Silver Award, one of the most prestigious accolades in the Girl Scout community, demands not only 50 hours of rigorous work but also a passion-driven action plan.

Kailynn's brainchild, the "Girls STEM Career Fair", aimed to ignite curiosity and ambition in young girls. She didn't just want to talk about STEM; she wanted these girls to visualize themselves in those roles. The fair had an array of innovations, with a diverse group of professionals—from Data Analysts to Veterinary Technicians—sharing their stories.

Girls participating in a hands-on STEM activity at the fair. "The goal was simple: make STEM fun, accessible, and inspiring," she said in a recent interview with GSCSNJ Media Team's Lily Hughes. [Watch the full interview here.]

Kailynn's commitment and the generosity of the women in STEM who joined her will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of those young participants. "The idea is not just to inform but to inspire. I want the next generation to be equipped, excited, and empowered to shape our community," expressed Kailynn.

To Kailynn DuRose, the future of STEM looks bright and inclusive, thanks to trailblazers like her. A hearty congratulations to this visionary Girl Scout!