February 06, 2025 by Toni Neary, Director of Community Engagement & Workforce Innovation The grand opening of the Jane Norton Girl Scout DreamLab on January 24, 2025, was a momentous occasion. It brought together young minds, passionate educators, and dedicated supporters to celebrate the power of STEM education. As proud partners of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio, SME was honored to play a role in making this center a success. A First-of-Its-Kind Space in Ohio The DreamLab is the first facility of its kind in Ohio and one of fewer than 10 DreamLabs nationwide. This innovative space provides hands-on activities in STEM, performance, outdoor adventures, and media, offering girls an opportunity to explore new interests and develop critical skills. The facility is dedicated to Jane Norton, a lifetime Girl Scout, area philanthropist, and community leader whose legacy continues to inspire. SME sponsored the STEM Café, with the support from the Lozick Family Foundation, which provided all the technology like 3D Printers, GlowForge, Sphero bots, Indi Cars, and Little bits kits to empower young girls with a wide range of hands-on experience with STEM tech. A Celebration of Innovation and Learning The center was filled with excitement as girls from across the region engaged in hands-on STEM activities designed to spark their curiosity and build their confidence in science, technology, engineering, and math. Pepper the Robot, from Lorain County Community College, served as the emcee for the event, underscoring the importance of STEM in shaping future careers. Inside the DreamLab, attendees explored cutting-edge spaces such as: STEM Café: A dynamic area where girls engaged in 3D printing, coding, and using 3D pens. Digital Media Booth: A space dedicated to podcast and videocast creation, allowing young minds to explore media production. Draw Alive Screen & Sparkle Wall: Interactive digital experiences where art meets technology, enhancing creativity through innovation. Rotating Climbing Wall & Indoor Campfire Corner: Encouraging both physical engagement and collaborative learning. Highlights from the Grand Opening Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: A symbolic moment marking the beginning of a new chapter in STEM opportunities for Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio. Industry & Community Leaders: Keynote speakers included STEM advocates and leaders who emphasized the impact of hands-on learning in fostering future careers. Testimonials: Young attendees, like Girl Scout Brownie Addison O., shared their excitement about exploring podcasting and making videos in the Digital Media Booth. The Impact of the DreamLab This initiative is more than just a cool space—it’s a stepping stone for young girls to explore STEM careers, develop essential skills, and envision their future as innovators. By providing access to engaging learning experiences and mentorship, we are helping to bridge the gender gap in STEM and inspire the next generation of leaders. Beyond Girl Scout programming, the DreamLab will serve as a hub for local schools and educators, hosting field trips and programs that introduce both boys and girls to the possibilities of STEM learning. “We’re thrilled to open Ohio’s first and the nation’s eighth Girl Scout DreamLab,” said GSNEO Chief Executive Officer Jane Christyson. “This innovative space is designed to inspire creativity, foster leadership, and equip youth with the tools they need to dream big and build their futures.” Toni Neary, SME’s Director of Community Engagement, also highlighted the importance of early STEM exposure: "We (SME) know that early introduction of STEM concepts & technology is imperative if we want to close the skills gap in a long-term and meaningful way. We also know that young girls opt out of STEM connections as early as 2nd grade because their STEM Identity has already been created. We want to grow knowledge, skills, and, most of all, confidence in the youth of tomorrow that STEM is fun, engaging, meaningful, and, most importantly, for everyone. GSNEO is the right partner for an impact in a direct way." Throughout the year, DreamLab will continue to host workshops, mentorship programs, and hands-on learning experiences. This facility is strategically designed to bridge accessibility gaps, attract new members, and offer an elevated experience for existing Girl Scouts and the broader community. What’s Next? The Jane Norton Girl Scout DreamLab is just one part of GSNEO’s commitment to empowering young innovators. Through initiatives like the STEM Center of Excellence, GSNEO continues to provide transformative learning spaces where girls can explore STEM fields, build confidence, and develop skills that will shape their future. Together, we are fostering the next generation of leaders in manufacturing, technology, and beyond. A heartfelt thank you to the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio and the Lozick Family Foundation, who helped us contribute to making this space a reality. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for young innovators. Stay tuned for more stories and updates on the impact of the Jane Norton Girl Scout DreamLab!
