LIFT, the Detroit-based, Department of Defense-supported national manufacturing innovation institute, and the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan today announced that the organizations have launched a LIFT advanced manufacturing initiative aimed at encouraging local Girl Scouts in grades 8-12 to explore careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering.
“Partnering with LIFT will provide our girls with a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from a national manufacturing innovation institute,” said Deputy Chief Program Officer Tiffiny Griffin at Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan.
The an extended engagement experience, consists of three hands-on design and engineering challenges and a Take Action project– also called service learning– to address the root of a particular issue relating to engineering to create a lasting effect. Upon conclusion of the program, girls will receive a limited-edition LIFT patch for their uniforms.
The Girl Scouts will discuss advanced manufacturing career options with LIFT Staff and industry members; an important dialogue as women are underrepresented in STEM careers. According to a 2018 National Girls Collaborative Project, women make up 47% of the overall workforce, but only 28% of the science and engineering workforce.