COLUMBUS – Girl Scouts across the country can now participate in a new patch program, The House That She Built, designed to encourage girls to consider careers in construction-related industries, build self-esteem and develop skills through curiosity and hands-on activities.
The program is being launched by the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland (GSOH) and was created in partnership with Mollie Elkman, the author of a children’s book, "The House That She Built." The book is inspired by a team of women who came together from around the country to build a one-of-a-kind home in Utah. Many of the 100-plus women who joined together to build the home are former Girl Scouts themselves. The book celebrates its 1-year anniversary this month.
“Women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce yet are drastically underrepresented in many fields – including in-demand jobs like construction, STEM and leadership roles,” said Tammy Wharton, president and CEO of GSOH. “With our focus on bridging the gender gap by providing unique training focused on in-demand jobs, along with our passion for dreaming big, The House That She Built patch program aligns with our current ‘Dream Big’ STEM leadership and in-demand job immersive campus campaign.”
The shortage in skilled trade workers is a growing crisis for the country, and currently, women are the most underrepresented community in these careers, making up less than 3 percent of the workforce. The House That She Built patch will help expose girls to many new skills and interests and showcase the vast opportunities for successful careers in construction.
Areas of focus will include careers such as architect, engineer, general contractor, excavator, concrete laborer, framer, electrician, plumber, HVAC, roofer, insulation, drywall, cabinet manufacturer, carpenter, tiler, painter, interior designer and landscaper.
To help to introduce even more youth to new career paths via this fun learning experience, GSOH is opening the program to anyone across the country. The full program will be available later this year.
“The Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland is the perfect organization for us to partner with to help to inspire the next generation of young women,” said Elkman. “I’m excited to show them the book and introduce them to some amazing women in the construction industry.”
The new program complements GSOH’s Dream Big Transformational Initiative, which includes a STEM Leadership Center and Maker Space that will create solutions to fuel the workforce pipeline. Through this project, Camp Ken-Jockety in Franklin County will become a STEM and in-demand jobs immersive campus. With access to cutting-edge programs, a safe place to learn new skills, and mentors encouraging them along the way, girls will have hands-on programs designed specifically for them, providing girls the skills and confidence needed to be the leaders of tomorrow.
For more information on participating in the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland’s The House That She Built patch program, visit https://www.gsoh.org/en/activities/the-house-that-she-built.html.
Proceeds from "The House That She Built" book support skilled workforce development and diversity and inclusion in the construction industry. "The House That She Built" is a 10 x 10 hardcover picture book with dust jacket/36 pages, $17.95 retail, ISBN 978-0-86718-7854. The book is distributed by IPG and is available by visiting www.shebuiltbook.com.
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