PWIPM Minnesota, Girl Scouts Empower Girls in STEM

Editor’s note: The following article is from Julie Baskerville, office manager, Adam’s Pest Control, Medina, Minn., and co-chair of Minnesota Professional Women in Pest Management.

© PWIPM MN

On April 20, an inspiring collaboration between the Girl Scouts River Valleys and the Minnesota Chapter of Professional Women In Pest Management (PWIPM-MN) unfolded at Plunkett's Pest Control in Fridley, Minn. This was the second event aimed to ignite the passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to Scouts by introducing them to the diverse and dynamic world of pest management. 

The day was filled with interactive sessions designed to showcase various roles within the field of Pest Management. From the intricate world of Entomology to the practical skills of a Technician, and the critical thinking involved in Regulatory Affairs, the  participating Scouts gained firsthand insight into the multifaceted nature of this  industry. 

Entomology workshop. The Scouts delved into the fascinating realm of insect classification using a  Dichotomous Key. Through hands-on exploration and examination of specimens, they  honed their skills in identifying common household Arthropods, gaining a deeper  appreciation for the complexity of the insect world. 

Technician in Training. The Technician session proved to be both educational and engaging as Scouts  navigated a mock hotel room learning to detect and address the presence of bed bugs.  Understanding the behaviors of these pests and the methods employed to eradicate  them not only provided valuable knowledge but also empowered the Scouts with  practical skills applicable to real-world scenarios. 

Regulatory Rule Makers. In the Regulatory Affairs segment, where Scouts took on the roles of stakeholders in a simulated debate surrounding a bed bug infestation scenario. Divided into groups  representing multi-housing property owners, residents, and legislators, they engaged in  lively discussions on responsibility and legislative action, gaining insight into the  complexities of addressing pest-related challenges at both local and governmental  levels. 

© credit PWIPM MN

The importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated, particularly in addressing the  gender disparity prevalent in STEM fields. According to the Girl Scouts, while  elementary-aged children of all genders exhibit equal interest in STEM, there is a  concerning decline among girls' interest in STEM by high school, with only 13% of  teenage girls considering it as their first career choice. Consequently, women represent only 30% of Minnesota's 23-25 year old STEM workforce. 

By providing girls with early exposure to STEM careers through hands-on experiences  and mentorship, initiatives like this seek to bridge the gender gap and empower girls to  envision themselves as leaders in STEM fields. This innovative collaboration represents  the culmination of a unique partnership, made possible through the generous support of  industry leaders such as Adam's Pest Control, Plunkett's Pest Control, and Ecolab, who  share a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in STEM.  Feedback from  scouts and parents following both sessions were stellar.  A common theme was that  the participants appreciated working with and learning from actual experts in the Pest  Management field and how impressed they were that women collaborated from  different companies to come together for this event. 

The involvement of PWIPM-MN members, who represent a diverse array of roles within  the Pest Control industry, underscores the importance of mentorship and representation  in inspiring the next generation of female STEM leaders. From field technicians to  entomologists, administrators to regulatory affairs experts, these women serve as role  models, demonstrating the breadth of opportunities available within STEM fields.