Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas First to Earn Polymer Science Patch

There are scores of Girl Scout badges and patches, recognizing achievement in everything from water safety to ballet, but the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, in partnership with the SPE Foundation, has created a patch that deserves our attention — the first SPE Color Your World with Polymer Science patch.

The patch was introduced during Color Your World with Science, a science and engineering event that took place at the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas STEM Center of Excellence in Dallas on Sept. 24. More than 200 Girl Scouts earned their patch and saw first-hand how polymer scientists and engineers are improving our world by developing new materials to make items like shoes, bike helmets, car parts, and more, announced the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Foundation in a press release issued today.

“Our goal with the Girl Scouts patch program is to inspire girls to become engineers and scientists and to help solve problems and create innovative materials and products to make the world a better place,” said Eve Vitale, Chief Executive, SPE Foundation. “The plastics industry will greatly benefit from women who understand the advantages we enjoy and the challenges we face — particularly when it comes to plastics.”

Data show that girls who are scouts are more likely to become science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) professionals with leadership aspirations than girls who don’t join the program, according to the SPE Foundation.

The SPE Foundation is asking for support to bring this patch to more Girl Scouts and also to help create a second patch focused on biopolymers and sustainability. In particular, it is inviting donations leading up to Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29. The first $10,000 in gifts will be matched by the SPE Automotive Division.

“Girl Scout councils across the country want our patch program but it costs thousands of dollars at the expense of the SPE Foundation,” said Vitale. “Through donations, our goal is to raise $25,000 to ensure more Girl Scouts can learn about the wonders of polymer science and engineering. Donations pave the way to help us share the exciting world of polymer science with young aspiring female STEM leaders. Let's show the Girls Scouts that we support their future in STEM and that we’re focused on positive plastics education.”

Here at PlasticsToday, we couldn’t agree more. Donations for the SPE Foundation Girl Scouts patch program can be made before Giving Tuesday by going to give.4spe.org.