Pembroke Pines Girl Scout's Gold Award Project Revitalizes STEM Interest in Local School

Elise Schaub, a Pembroke Pines resident, has been honored with the Girl Scout Gold Award for her transformative project, 'Building the Future Through STEM,' which addressed the critical issue of declining enrollment at Pines Middle School by fostering student engagement in STEM fields. Her initiative to establish a robotics team not only played a pivotal role in keeping the school open but also laid the groundwork for its potential evolution into a Collegiate Academy.

The project's significance is underscored by the broader context of STEM participation in Florida, where, despite women constituting 52% of the college-educated population, only 32% pursue careers in science or engineering. Schaub's efforts to spark early interest in STEM through the robotics team and workshops introducing students to various STEM careers have begun to shift this narrative, offering a model for how to engage young minds in these critical fields.

Under Schaub's guidance, the robotics team competed in the First Lego League (FLL), tackling real-world problems such as deep-sea exploration with underwater drone technology. This hands-on experience, combined with exposure to careers ranging from biomedical research to nuclear engineering, has broadened students' aspirations and enthusiasm for science and technology.

The lasting impact of Schaub's project is evident in the flourishing of additional STEM-focused programs like VEX Robotics and Sea Perch at Pines Middle School. These initiatives continue to provide students with valuable learning opportunities, preparing them for future careers in high-demand fields. Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, praised Schaub and other Gold Award recipients for their innovative and compassionate approach to addressing pressing community challenges.

Schaub's achievement was celebrated at the 2025 Annual Gold Award Ceremony, where she was among 27 young women recognized for their leadership and community impact. The event was supported by sponsors including Amazon, Fiserv, and Florida Power & Light, highlighting the broader community's commitment to fostering the next generation of female leaders in STEM and beyond.