Largest Girl Scout STEM Center in U.S. Will Provide Girls Pathways to In-Demand Careers and Bridge Gender Gap in STEM Fields
COLUMBUS: After five years of “Dreaming Big,” Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland (GSOH) celebrated a milestone today with a ribbon cutting at the AEP Foundation STEM Leadership Center and CK Construction Maker Space on the Battelle Science & Innovation Campus at Camp Ken-Jockety. It is the largest Girl Scout STEM center in the United States.
Dubbed the “Dream Big Transformational Initiative,” this 25,000-square-foot, cutting-edge facility is designed to ignite curiosity and foster the next generation of female leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). From interactive labs to hands-on workshops, the new center offers girls unprecedented access to opportunities that will shape their futures and build critical skills for tomorrow’s workforce.
“Tomorrow starts today!” said Tammy Wharton, President & CEO, GSOH. “The opening of the STEM Leadership Center and Maker Space celebrates the realization of our dream to empower the next generation of female leaders. From discovering STEM careers to cultivating life-changing skills, this center will open doors for Girl Scouts across Ohio. We are thrilled to witness the possibilities that will unfold here.”
The center, which will officially open in January, will make a broad impact as a community resource for youth and community stakeholders across Ohio. It will be available to schools, businesses, other non-profits, and community partners.
The newly renovated Nationwide Foundation Environmental Center also made its debut at the event.
About 150 business leaders, community leaders, and public officials joined GSOH for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event featured a moving spoken-word performance by Girl Scout Jasmine, who shared her original “slam” poem in honor of the milestone.
The ceremony highlighted the impact the STEM Leadership Center and Maker Space will have on the community and its role in empowering young girls to explore STEM fields that have historically underrepresented women.
“Battelle is proud to support the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland and help empower the next generation of female leaders in STEM,” said Wes Hall, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Education at Battelle, lead donor of the Dream Big campaign. “This center is a beacon of innovation and opportunity because, for decades to come, it will build girls’ confidence that they belong in STEM leadership.”
Designed to Inspire
Powered by the Girl Scouts’ $16 million “Dream Big” campaign initiative, the Science & Innovation Campus offers a unique learning ecosystem where girls can experiment, explore, and innovate.
- STEM Leadership Center: Featuring community spaces, science and technology labs, cutting-edge learning resources, two firepits, and a roof deck patio.
- CK Construction Maker Space: Designed for hands-on learning in trade skills like welding, mechanics, and carpentry.
- Nationwide Foundation Environmental Center: Renovated with a new teaching kitchen for farm-to-table programs and outdoor learning spaces.
- Low Ropes Course: Funded by the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, this course will empower girls to challenge themselves, develop team-building skills, and grow in courage, confidence, and character.
BBCO was the project architect for the initiative, and CK Construction served as construction manager. In the spirit of women leadership, more than 50 percent of the construction and design project management staff was female.
“This center will provide a space where creativity flourishes, dreams take flight and the potential for the next generation of female innovators in science, mathematics, and engineering are unlocked,” said Lori Gillett, CEO of CK Construction. “As a female engineer, and a Girl Scout, I’m incredibly proud that CK Construction partnered with The Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland on this transformative project.”
Bhakti Bania, CEO of BBCO, shared her excitement. “At BBCO, we are proud to design spaces that empower future leaders. The STEM Leadership Center and Maker Space and Environmental Center not only inspire learning and innovation, but also foster sustainability and community, creating environments where girls can thrive and shape a better world.”
A True Community Partnership
GSOH teamed with community partners to make the Dream Big initiative a reality. Lead donors include Battelle, American Electric Power Foundation, Nationwide Foundation, and CK Construction. Additional support came from the state of Ohio, Franklin County, and the city of Columbus.
“Now more than ever, we need a strong pipeline of innovative leaders and STEM professionals to continue building the energy grid of the future,” said Janelle Coleman, AEP’s vice president of Community Engagement and Inclusion, and president of the AEP Foundation. “The AEP Foundation is proud to fund these hands-on activities that will inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and empower girls to pursue exciting opportunities in technical career fields.”
Nationwide Foundation saw the importance of renovating and improving the campus environmental center.
“We are incredibly proud to support Girl Scouts from across the region as they develop important life skills,” said Chad Jester, President of the Nationwide Foundation. “This innovative space will be a vital resource for the entire community, and we look forward to seeing the remarkable achievements that will emerge from it.”
Strong Committee Support
Leaders from across the region banded together behind the Dream Big mission. Dream Big Honorary Co-Chairs include Lou Von Thaer, president and CEO, Battelle Memorial Institute; Yvette McGee Brown, partner, Jones Day; and Lori Gillett, CEO, CK Construction.
In addition, Honorary Champions, included Mary Auch, regional president, PNC Bank, Columbus; Marilyn Brown, former Franklin County commissioner; Erica C. Crawley, Franklin County commissioner; Rhoe Fields, AVP, community relations at Bath & Body Works Foundation; Alex Fischer, former president and CEO, Columbus Partnership; Wes Hall, vice president of philanthropy and education, Battelle Memorial Institute; Lisa Hinson, president and founder, Hinson Ltd Public Relations; Michele Holcomb; Dr. Kristina M. Johnson, president, The Ohio State University; Darla King, president, King Business Interiors, Inc.; Gale King, former executive vice president and chief administrative officer, Nationwide Insurance; Cameron Mitchell, founder and CEO, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR), LLC; Karen Morrison, president, OhioHealth Foundation and senior vice president, OhioHealth Corporation; Natasha Pongonis, CEO, O.Y.E. Business Intelligence; Julie Sloat, president and CEO, American Electric Power; Barb Smoot; president and CEO Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD); Dr. Kathy Sullivan, former astronaut and administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Dr. Ann Teske, healthcare educator administrator; and Katherine Zehnder, vice president, HNTB.
For more information on Dream Big, visit gsoh.org/dreambig.