2025 Girl Scout's STEM-Tacular Badge Bash
The excitement was electric at the Girl Scouts of Long Beach headquarters, where dozens of Girl Scouts — from Daisies to Cadettes — earned their STEM Career Explorer Badges through hands-on learning at the STEM-Tacular Badge Bash on November 9, 2025 in the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Long Beach Service Center.
Hosted in partnership with Long Beach Service Unit 512, the event was led by Professor Neal Terrell (METRIC Mentor), Julie Truong (METRIC Scholar, Computer Science and Computer Engineering), and Kim Lee (Computer Science and Computer Engineering), with support from the Mentored Excellence Toward Research and Industry Careers (METRIC) program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).
Inspiring Young Minds in STEM
The Badge Bash introduced girls to exciting possibilities in STEM fields, from computer science and creative technology to geology, chemistry, and engineering, through engaging, age-appropriate workshops. Scouts coded secret messages in ASCII, designed their own video games, built LED circuits, constructed marshmallow towers, and even made butter while learning the chemistry behind it.
Each station celebrated trailblazing women in STEM and featured colorful visuals, personalized stickers, and reflection activities to help participants connect their curiosity to real-world careers. "Introducing STEM careers at a young age can help close the gender gap in these fields," said Julie Truong, METRIC Scholar and event co-coordinator. "By making these activities fun and relatable, we're helping girls see themselves as scientists, engineers, and innovators."
Mentorship in Action
The event was a true community effort, powered by passionate METRIC scholars and many other who designed activities, created educational materials, and volunteered their time to mentor the next generation of learners.
For example, Anh Quoc Tran, a Computer Engineering major and METRIC Scholar, designed the Light-Up Circuit activity using his own materials to help the lesson shine. Behind the scenes, months of planning, coordination, and collaboration on platforms like Discord and Google Drive ensured the event’s success, reflecting CSULB's spirit of service, innovation, and inclusion.
METRIC: Advancing STEM Education for the Public Good
The METRIC program at CSULB bridges academia, research, and community engagement by preparing diverse students for success in STEM careers. Through mentorship, applied learning, and outreach, METRIC empowers students not only to excel professionally but also to uplift their communities.
This initiative aligns with CSULB’s vision of serving the public good in expanding educational access, building community partnerships, and cultivating leaders who inspire future generations. "METRIC is about more than academic excellence," said Professor Neal Terrell, METRIC Mentor and event co-lead. "It's about empowering our students to share their knowledge and passion with the community. Seeing these girls light up with excitement about science — that’s what makes it all worthwhile."
The STEM-Tacular Badge Bash stands as a model for how higher education, mentorship, and community service can come together, creating a brighter, more equitable path for the next generation of women in STEM.
Additional Event Photos
