Girl Scouts Hosted 12th Annual STEM Expo
Over 300 students gathered at Worcester Polytechnic Institute to explore career paths in science and technology.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Health and Wellness
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Should local schools offer specialized STEM programs to help middle school girls maintain academic interest?
The Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts held their 12th annual Geek Is Glam STEM expo for middle school girls. More than 300 students in grades 4 through 8 attended the event at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Why it matters
The program is designed to build confidence and spark curiosity among young girls by introducing them to potential career paths in science, technology, engineering, and math. By connecting participants with professionals, the event aims to remove barriers for those interested in STEM fields.
The expo featured over 60 educational and community partners and hosted more than 300 students. This 12th annual iteration specifically targeted girls in grades 4 through 8.
The players
Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts
This organization serves as a regional council providing programming and leadership opportunities for girls.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
This private research university in Worcester is known for its focus on science and engineering education.
eClinicalWorks
This company provides cloud-based electronic health record solutions for medical practices.
Dietz & Company Architects
This architectural firm specializes in community-focused building design and project planning.
The details
Participants engaged in hands-on workshops covering robotics, chemistry, coding, and design, while also attending career panel discussions and professional demonstrations. Sponsors including eClinicalWorks and Dietz & Company Architects supported the event to facilitate these learning experiences.
Timeline
The 12th annual Geek Is Glam STEM expo occurred on October 10, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This event follows a pattern set by national initiatives to close the gender gap in technical fields. Such local programs are increasingly essential to fostering early interest in STEM careers amid broader industry efforts to diversify the talent pipeline.
For local families, this event provided direct, hands-on access to professional mentors and academic resources at no additional hurdle. Participation allows students to experiment with equipment and career concepts that are rarely accessible in standard classroom settings.
The takeaway
Engaging girls in STEM during middle school is a proven strategy to ensure long-term academic interest in high-tech careers. Families can replicate this curiosity at home by encouraging participation in local maker-space programs or science clubs throughout the school year.
Further reading
Find more details on local initiatives in the Worcester Health and Wellness section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 22 News WWLP.
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Should local schools offer specialized STEM programs to help middle school girls maintain academic interest?
