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FPL partners with Girl Scouts for solar oven STEM experiment in Fort Walton Beach

The event focused on renewable energy education for Girl Scouts in grades 4-8. Participants constructed solar ovens and used them to make s’mores, combining hands-on learning with a classic scouting treat.

Jared Williams

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) teamed up with the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council in Northwest Florida for a day of STEM activities, featuring a solar oven experiment, on Friday, June 28, at the University of West Florida Emerald Coast campus.

The event focused on renewable energy education for Girl Scouts in grades 4-8. Participants constructed solar ovens and used them to make s’mores, combining hands-on learning with a classic scouting treat.

Local female engineers from FPL were on hand to guide the scouts through the solar oven building process, providing both technical expertise and inspiration for potential careers in STEM fields.

Aryn Hightower, an FPL associate engineer from Pensacola, shared her experience at the event.

“Volunteering at the Girl Scouts’ STEM Camp allowed me to witness the next generation of girls being inspired to follow their dreams,” Hightower said. “While our goal was to teach them about the possibilities of the future, I hope they will ultimately teach us how to achieve even greater heights than we ever imagined.”

The young participants expressed enthusiasm for the activities. “FPL’s activity was really fun! I enjoyed learning about solar energy and building the solar oven. The s’mores were delicious,” said Isla P., one of the Girl Scouts in attendance.

To further support STEM initiatives, FPL presented the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council in Northwest Florida with a $5,000 check. The company aims to inspire future female leaders and innovators through hands-on experiences and exposure to real-life role models.

This event is part of FPL’s efforts to encourage young women to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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