The Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio learn about career paths in STEM
BY ALYSSA DIGANGI
Historically, the path for ambitious young girls with a desire to change the world has been one filled with closed doors and stifled opportunity — for too long, bright young minds have been pushed away from the STEM field simply because of traditional, societal expectations. On May 9, 2023, Stronghold Engineering, an AGC of California and San Diego Chapter member, invited the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio to tour their facility, to learn about the exciting possibilities of STEM — and to be inspired.
The troop was invited to Classroom to Career Day, where the goal was simple: to promote opportunities for girls to explore STEM-related fields from an early age, an experience they may have never been given otherwise. For many of these girls, this was their first time stepping into the world of STEM.
Classroom to Career: Inspiring the Next Generation of Women
As the girl scouts entered Stronghold’s facility, they were met by Beverly Bailey, the company’s co-founder and CEO. Bailey began the company 31 years ago alongside her husband and has since been dedicated to giving opportunities to young people who are looking for career paths in the field.
As a woman of color, Bailey represents a pioneering example of what can be achieved when women fight to lead and create in STEM. She shared her story with the girls, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and never settling for less than what they’re capable of. Even just a few decades ago, obtaining access to a STEM career was incredibly difficult for many women, including Bailey.
Today, with more women making strides in the field than ever before, there are hopes to open the doors even wider for the new generation.
In the spirit of this goal, Bailey guided the scouts through each department, introducing them to five female team members at Stronghold with alternative career paths such as their Electrical Apprenticeship Program.
The troop also heard from an executive assistant, HR manager, and the director of business operations and special projects— each story of perseverance and success was unique, but all spoke to the same message: that women can succeed in this field, and that the pioneers of yesterday light the way for future generations of women in STEM. The girl scouts took everything in, excited at the prospect of creating their own success stories.
Teaching Innovation Through Building a Solar Oven
After the troop heard first-hand accounts of what women are achieving in the field, they were given the opportunity to create something of their own. Stronghold provided the materials for the girls to make solar-powered cooking boxes. With just a cardboard pizza box, some aluminum foil and plastic wrap, the girl scouts made their very own sustainable ovens. They then crafted the solar cooking boxes together while staff members explained how they can be used in everyday life for preparing food with solar energy.
After lunch, the girl scouts were awarded with a very special addition to include on their sashes: a STEM career exploration patch to proudly represent their introduction to the world of STEM. This was no ordinary scouting day—the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio took their first steps toward contributing to a world where young girls have every opportunity to become engineers, innovators and leaders.
Stronghold Engineering Provides Continual Support
Stronghold’s investment in the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio doesn’t stop with their visit to the facility. The company’s tradesmen have also been doing work in building the Girl Scouts’ horse tack room sheds for their Azalea Camp up near Idyllwild, California —a project that will provide the troop with an innovative space for learning and recreation.
“When the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio came to us at Stronghold to explain their need for two tack room sheds for their horse tack up at their Azalea Camp,” said Alyssa Digangi, director of business operations and special projects, “our Charity Committee rose to the occasion. The team gathered the materials needed and planned multiple sessions at our warehouse in Perris to build sections of the sheds before transporting for assembly at Azalea Camp. It was a complete team effort bringing our experienced carpenter and electrical tradesmen together with others in our office that are less experienced to build these sheds for the girl scouts.”
All of this support reflects a larger commitment made by Stronghold Engineering and other organizations like it to invest in the future of female leaders. The company hopes to open opportunities for the next generation of women in STEM and continues to work hard on making this dream a reality.
The future is theirs—it’s just waiting for them to build it.