NYPA Empowers Girl Scouts as Future Energy Leaders!
NYPA recognizes that a stronger, sustainable New York starts with our young community members. Since 2023, our Environmental Justice team has invited Girl Scouts to learn how they can contribute to a sustainable future through the NYPA Girl Scout Patch.
Through this program, Girl Scouts are able earn a unique patch that signifies their accomplishments and the valuable knowledge they’ve gained in sustainability and energy learning. Since its inception, over 100 Girl Scouts have earned their NYPA patch.
“The Girl Scouts STEM program is important to show girls what is possible: if they can see it, they can be it,” said Jackie. Jackie is a Project Engineer working in Energy Efficiency and a former Girl Scout STEM Program Manager. “Through these programs, girls are able to flex their STEM muscles and be creative at the same time, while learning how to use their voices to stand up for something they believe in,” said Jackie.
To earn the patch, Girl Scouts must complete two activities that are rank-appropriate. Daisies and Brownies give presentations about electricity and can answer questions about renewable energy and its impact on the environment. The Juniors and Cadets learn about different engineering disciplines and learn how one day they can become an engineer! While the Senior and Ambassador rank present ways they can decrease simultaneous electrical demand in their homes.
“Through the patch program and workshops, these young learners begin to understand where electricity comes from,” says Tianna, Environmental Justice Program Manager at NYPA. “They learn the importance of offering accessible energy education resources to the communities we serve and reinforces NYPA’s commitment to being a good neighbor. By fostering curiosity, building confidence and enhancing educational equity, we are helping to elevate STEM competency beyond the traditional classroom setting.”
Providing supplemental, energy-focused and age-appropriate STEM experiences for students in grades 3-12 is just one of the many ways that NYPA staff are carrying through on unwavering commitment to supporting the diverse needs of the communities in which we operate and impact of our VISION2030 Renewed strategic plan.
The patch program invites Girl Scouts to visit our Visitors Centers around the state to explore electricity though hands-on, interactive exhibits. While not a necessity to earn the patch, the Visitors Centers are one way for Scouts and their families to experience STEM and STEM careers. They are admission free and full of interactive learning for all ages!
Learn how your scout can earn the NYPA patch:or contact the Environmental Justice team at the Power Authority at Environmental.Justice@nypa.gov.