Franklin’s Bug Squad and Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana partnered up with friends at the Dunes Learning Center on June 8th for a special STEM event. This was our second annual free STEM event called SPARK DAY. The event is designed to encourage young people (grades 6-12) to explore important careers in public and environmental health! We’re on a mission to encourage young generations to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
This event brought experts from numerous environmental career paths to share their experiences & inspire young nature-loving adults. Franklin employees, friends from Humane Indiana Wildlife, Purdue University’s Entomology Department, Evelyn from EcoFrenzy Games and Willie’s Honey Company joined us for the day.
Participants explored:
- naturalism
- conservation
- pest management
- entomology
- wildlife rehabilitation
- beekeeping and
- young entrepreneurship
What is Girl Scout Spark Day?
A Girl Scout Spark Day program is a special free STEM event that allow young girls to learn about professional careers in a very hands-on, interactive way. As public health leaders in the pest management industry, Franklin Pest Solutions’ experts are passionate about educating all walks of life about insect biology and the balance of humans and nature. So basically, this program represents everything in our mission of education and knowledge which is why we partnered up with the Girl Scouts.
Why would a Pest Control Company be involved with Girl Scouts?
Well, if you’re asking yourself this question, please allow us to explain. The trade industry is facing huge employment shortages. As our experts are retiring, we need younger people to teach all the skills and “tricks of the trade” that you can’t learn from reading a book or studying online. We know that not all students are college-bound. So we’re helping solve this shortage issue long-term starting at the root.
For this particular event at the Dunes Learning Center, 50+ attendees received Field Notes notepads upon checking in. There was no shortage of nature-themed stickers, fun Franklin promos, or fun glitter pens. Attendees explored multiple different stations, learning about careers directly from the experts themselves.
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Careers in Pest Management
Like with many trades, learning public health skills and Integrated Pest Management skills is more of a hands-on experience. You don’t need previous experience to work in Pest Management. Our company facilitates all the tools and education a high school graduate would need to become an expert in our industry. And taking the Pest Management career path doesn’t mean you’ll be killing bugs all day whatsoever.
Take a look at our Day in the Life videos on YouTube to see all of the amazing things our experts do on the daily basis!
