I’ve been with Girl Scouts Northeast Texas for just over 3 years. I have had the honor and privilege to not only be part of changes within the organization but to craft an experience at the STEM Center of Excellence that encourages STEM confidence, STEM competence, a sense of self, courage, and perseverance.

While a series of challenging events left us incredibly short staffed during my fellowship, I was unable to dedicate as much time to my fellowship as I had hoped (or even planned) and after a 14-hour day at work, the glue I needed to stay together to serve Girl Scouts (effectively!) the following day, was my bed. What I didn’t know or realize, was the makings of a new starting point. Cheesy- I know.

Organizational-wide, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas employees completed a year-long Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity professional development course- we’re now in the phase of integrating learnings into daily practices. That, in conjunction with the resources, articles, data, and connections from this fellowship have laid the groundwork for my vision of a cultural response in STEM informal education.

Admittedly, I was naïve enough to believe that when I reached the end of the fellowship, I could check off the box that said, “Good Job! You know enough to make decisions about cultural responses in informal education!”. Ha. I am just reaching the point where I have some confidence on the topic and feel like I always finish with, “Someone, please, jump in if you have insight. What am I missing? I am still learning.”

So, Kayleigh, what exactly are you doing? I’m so glad you asked. Let me be vulnerable and tell you a secret: I have no idea. (OK- I have some of an idea, but it’s all subject to change!). I read all the articles provided during the fellowship and I refer to them constantly, I’m reviewing culturally responsive rubrics, reading books on cultural competence, identifying reputable resources, and continuing the DEI work through the council. I am speaking with colleagues that have the insight that I, a white woman, don’t possess. I am continuing to learn. I’m listening. I am asking thoughtful and respectful (I hope!) questions to ensure most cultural considerations have a seat at the table. I say most, not all, because I will undoubtedly miss something, make note, and include it in my decision-making process moving forward. I am an imperfect person with flaws. I am a white woman, and it will take time for me to learn and understand what privileges I have (unbeknownst to me) that others fight for daily.

In order to move forward in this work of designing and implementing a culturally responsive approach to STEM education, I am diving deep into orthodoxies that are held by my organization and understanding why we do them- more importantly, I’m turning them on their heads and taking risks on how we provide programming and how we facilitate experiences to our diverse membership. I’m figuring out where we’ve been to pave a path moving forward.

Things I do know:

1.       Integrating a growth mindset will change how youth, particularly girls, view STEM confidence, STEM competence and perseverance.

2.       Change worth making is slow and intentional. It shouldn’t be rushed.

3.       This fellowship was a truly eye-opening experience and the development I didn’t know I needed to align my professional goals to personal ones.

4.       9 months isn’t long enough.

What’s Next? To be finalized, but I anticipate an evaluation of the entire programmatic library to see where we currently stand on a cultural response and what changes can be made to move the needle towards a more equitable informal STEM educational experience.

(One of my) end goals: Build girls of character with tools in their skill set that have the courage and confidence to bridge the gender and wage gap.