University News
Girl Scout STEM Program Returns to WIU
February 25, 2026
MACOMB, IL - - The Western Illinois University is relaunching its long-running Girl Scout STEM Program on Saturday, March 28, continuing a successful interdisciplinary outreach initiative that introduces young learners to science through hands-on, age-appropriate activities in the university laboratory setting.
Originally established in 2017, the program has engaged hundreds of local youths through interactive STEM experiences led by WIU faculty and students in the College of Arts and Sciences. The Spring 2026 program will build on this strong foundation while expanding its reach to benefit the broader WIU and surrounding communities.
The program will continue its collaboration with the Girl Scout Organization while broadening participation. In addition to Girl Scouts, the event will be open to children of WIU faculty and staff, as well as girls and boys from nearby communities interested in STEM. The program is designed to spark curiosity about science, provide early exposure to higher education, and promote inclusive STEM engagement among students across multiple age groups.
Faculty from several science departments within the College of Arts and Sciences will lead hands-on experiments and demonstrations tailored to different grade levels. Graduate and undergraduate student volunteers will assist with activities, offering participants opportunities to interact with current WIU students and learn more about pathways into STEM-related fields.
The Spring 2026 program will be led by WIU Chemistry Associate Professor Jin Jin, who successfully coordinated the program's most recent offering. Planning is underway, including confirming participating faculty and developing age-appropriate STEM activities.
Families interested in having their children participate in the Girl Scout STEM Program, including both boys and girls, are encouraged to contact Jin at J-Jin@wiu.edu to express interest and receive information as details are being finalized.
Additional details regarding activities, schedules and participation will be shared in the coming weeks as planning continues.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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