🌱 STEAM Saturday Launches with Sustainability, Science & Self-Discovery

This month, Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta launched its very first official STEAM Saturday, in partnership with the Department of Civil Engineering at Kennesaw State University – Marietta Campus. The event brought together hands-on exploration, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving in an engaging, empowering atmosphere.

Held on-site at KSU, the day inspired participants to see themselves as innovators, advocates, and leaders in fields that impact the world around them.

👗 Shop Your Closet: Fashion Meets Environmental Justice

The day kicked off with the “Shop Your Closet” Challenge, where students worked in teams to dress a model for a mock job interview using only thrifted clothing. The twist? The role they were dressing for was an elementary school teacher, and they had to create the outfit using only previously worn garments.

This creative activity led to meaningful conversations about:

• The harmful effects of the fast fashion industry
• The environmental impact of overconsumption
• Sustainable alternatives like thrifting, swapping, and using natural materials

By combining creativity with environmental consciousness, this activity encouraged both personal expression and responsible decision-making.

🛠️ Concrete Lessons with KSU’s Canoe Team

Next, our girls partnered with KSU’s Concrete Canoe Team to take on one of the world’s most widely used—and most environmentally costly—materials: concrete.

Participants had the opportunity to:

• Mix custom concrete formulas for different structural needs
• Pour their own keepsake molds to take home
• Learn about concrete dust, pollution, and the carbon footprint of common building practices
• Explore sustainable alternatives like biofuels and alternative binders

The hands-on STEM work not only sparked curiosity, but also showcased how engineering and sustainability can go hand in hand.

🎓 Milestones in Program Growth

In addition to the day’s workshops, the event marked exciting progress for the STEAM program itself:

• Cohort 1 members set new personal and academic goals, with a renewed focus on college preparation
• Cohort 3 officially began their journey, as we welcomed six new members and their families during orientation

💡 A Bold Beginning for a Transformative Program

STEAM Saturday is more than a monthly workshop—it’s a space where youth discover their power to change the world through science, sustainability, and self-discovery.

From environmental justice to civil engineering, from college readiness to critical conversations, this launch embodied the mission of Girls Inc.: to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold while preparing them for college, careers, and life.

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