The centerpieces at the “Back to School” Membership Dinner were created by Girls Exploring Tomorrow’s Technology (GETT) event participants. The centerpieces were created during a hands-on breakout session called “The Marshmallow Challenge”. This activity lets girls be creative with their engineering/construction skills to create structures using marshmallows and toothpicks. Participants in the session have the challenge of building the tallest, free-standing structure that can support a marshmallow. This activity encourages the design mindset and supports basic engineering principles.

The structures were created by GETT participants from the following schools: Avon Grove High School, Bishop Shanahan High School, Daniel Boone Area High School, Downingtown STEM Academy, Kennett High School, the Technical College High School Brandywine Campus, Great Valley Middle School and Lionville Middle School.

 

Information on GETT Program:

Girls Exploring Tomorrow’s Technology (GETT) began as a small event in 2001 as a response to the under-representation of young women in the computer and information technology fields. Since that time, GETT has expanded its geographical footprint to host over 600 girls per year from all around Southeastern Pennsylvania and now showcases the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

GETT is an initiative of the Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG), a program under the Chester County Economic Development Council, and is driven by the volunteer efforts of numerous public, private and educational organizations, along with public and private investments. GETT is an annual day-long event in the spring for girls in grades 5-10 and their parents to learn about career opportunities in a broad scope of STEM related industries.

The GBCA is proud to have partnered with the Chester County Economic Development Group and the GETT program and hopes this “building” experience inspires girls to consider careers in engineering, architecture and the construction industry.