Elise Schaub's STEM Initiative Earns Girl Scout Gold Award, Inspires Future Generations

Elise Schaub, a dedicated resident of Pembroke Pines, has been recognized with the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award for her innovative project, 'Building the Future Through STEM.' This initiative not only tackled the pressing issue of declining enrollment at Pines Middle School but also addressed the wider challenge of women's underrepresentation in STEM careers. The project's success highlights the critical need to ignite young students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from an early age.

At the heart of Schaub's project was the establishment of a robotics team at Pines Middle School, which participated in the First Lego League (FLL). The team engaged in solving real-world problems, including deep-sea exploration using underwater drone technology, and attended workshops designed to introduce them to various STEM career paths. These activities not only cultivated a passion for STEM among the students but also contributed to the school's survival, paving the way for its potential transformation into a Collegiate Academy.

The impact of Schaub's work extends beyond the initial project, with the school now hosting additional STEM-focused programs such as VEX Robotics and Sea Perch. These programs provide students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences and exposure to high-demand fields, enhancing their academic environment and equipping them for future challenges. Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, commended Schaub and her peers for their role as catalysts for change in their communities through their innovative projects.

Schaub was among 27 young women in the region to be honored with the Gold Award at the 2025 Annual Gold Award Ceremony, an event supported by notable sponsors including Amazon, Fiserv, and Florida Power & Light. Her achievement serves as a testament to the importance of encouraging young women to take on leadership roles in STEM and other sectors, ensuring the development of a diverse and innovative workforce for the future. For further details on the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida and their efforts to empower young women, visit https://www.gssef.org.