Evelyn Yang, a rising junior at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North, has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for her project, “Inspiring Future Innovators.”
The Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve and represents the culmination of Evelyn’s 11 years in the program.
Her project focused on closing gender gaps in science technology engineering and math by creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for girls in STEM.
Yang led a team of Girl Scouts run hands-on STEM programs at Trenton summer camps and the Hickory Corner Branch Library. The programs were designed to challenge stereotypes and provide early exposure to STEM concepts through fun interactive activities.
At the Trenton camps Yang ran nine sessions over four days reaching more than 100 girls from preschool to middle school.
Many of the girls said they felt more confident exploring STEM subjects and some said they now plan to pursue STEM careers.
At the Hickory Corner library Yang and her all-girl team conducted demonstrations and experiments that made science engaging for both girls and boys.
The programs also offered a chance for young students to see everyday female role models in STEM. The librarian plans to continue some of the most popular activities from the program.
“I could never have done my project without the support of the library and the summer camps. I am truly grateful for their support,” Yang said.
Yang also said the project helped her grow as a leader and gain confidence in new skills.
“The experience that I gained through my gold award project gives me confidence in myself that I am able to do things that I have never done before like leading big projects managing a team of peers and using my research skills but also my creative thinking skills to create a plan and brainstorm new ideas,” she said. “Above all I learned that engaging with the community and working with kids is something that I really enjoy doing.”
Her troop leader Louisa Ho praised Yang’s development over the years.
“It’s amazing to be a troop leader and help the girls learn so much in Girl Scouts. I can still picture in my mind Evelyn in 1st grade contrasted with the dynamic confident young lady that she is today,” Ho said. “I love helping girls learn from their experiences in Girl Scouts especially Gold Award projects.”
Those interested in joining Girl Scouts can visit gscsnj.org. Families in West Windsor Plainsboro or Cranbury can email girlscoutswwp@verizon.net for local troop information.
