COLUMBUS, OhioWCMH) — After five years of planning and construction, the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland (GSOH) unveiled the AEP Foundation STEM Leadership Center and CK Construction Maker Space on Tuesday.

There is always a need for more girls in STEM fields, and that’s where the Dream Big initiative came into play. The center is designed to allow girls to explore the world of science, technology , engineering and mathematics. This initiative received a lot of support.

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“It’s like a monument day,” said board member Shakila Alli. “It’s been the culmination of five years of us dreaming about a vision and planning, really.”

About 150 people came to visit the site on Tuesday. Leaders said it is now the largest Girl Scout STEM center in the United States.

“Our girls will have the opportunity to learn many skills that will help them in the future, whether it is gaining self-confidence, leadership or entering the workforce of the future ” said Tammy Wharton, President and CEO of GSOH. .

Located on the Battelle Science and Innovation Campus, the facility offers science and technology laboratories as well as hands-on learning in professional skills such as welding, mechanics and carpentry. Wharton says that even though women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, only 18 percent of STEM leadership positions are held by women.

“We teach them fun programming and they learn the skills they need to be successful,” Wharton said.

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Vivienne Ahrens was one of several Girl Scouts who were able to tour the new facility. She said she had always been intrigued by the world of STEM.

“STEM exists, so I know a lot about it, but there is so much more to learn and in the world we have done so much, but there is so much more to come,” she said. “This big idea is that learning more about science, technology, engineering and math will help me find my passion, my interest and my spark.”

As more STEM-related businesses come to Central Ohio, this facility will help keep girls local.

“We are so excited about all the STEM-related jobs that we can accommodate girls today who can meet the demands of tomorrow,” Alli said.

Tuesday was the first time most people had seen the new center. Leaders hope to begin regular use of the center in the coming days, but it will officially open in January.

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