Design and Discover, an inquiry-based, hands-on engineering and technology project to encourage and enhance middle and high school girls’ experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Project objectives are to enhance middle and high school girls’ understanding of STEM processes, raise girls’ interest in STEM, and create greater awareness for STEM careers. The curriculum was developed by the Intel Innovation in Education Group in collaboration with Girl Scouts of the USA and was based on research exploring why girls lose enthusiasm for STEM in the middle grades and how supportive environments can be created for learning science and engineering.

In partnership with schools, the project is being implemented outside of the school day in a minimum of six settings in five counties within the Council’s jurisdiction. Counties include Duplin, Granville, Nash, Onslow, Person, and Vance. Within these counties, the Council chooses a minimum of six schools for implementation. Each year, 120 middle and high school girls are recruited by self-identification, parent nomination, and recommendation of Girl Scout volunteers, teachers and/or counselors. Priority is given to girls who either lack local resources or are affected by the minority achievement gap. The program also provides a STEM summer resident camp session, and with support from IBM and many other sci/tech companies, hosts an event each fall to expose girls to women who are working in a variety of STEM fields locally.

1)  After school program during traditional academic year 
2)  STEM-focused residential camp at Girl Scout camp property

Middle and high school aged girls at targeted schools in Wayne, Duplin, Halifax, Columbus, and Granville counties

Cindy Kelley-Deaton
Program Executive 
North Carolina Coastal Pines
6901 Pinecrest Rd
Raleigh, NC 27612

Phone: 919/782-3021

www.nccoastalpines.org