WASHINGTON – Girl Scouts can now participate in a new patch program, The House That She Built. It’s designed to empower girls to think about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) and construction by meeting real professional women in building careers.

Created by Mollie Elkman, the author of the children’s book, “The House That She Built,” with support from the publisher, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the new program is inspired by NAHB’s Utah Chapter of Professional Women in Building Council – the same team of real women from who built a one-of-a-kind home in Utah: The House That SHE Built. Many of the 100+ women who worked on the house are former Girl Scouts.

Why the patch?

The intent is to build self-esteem and develop skills through curiosity and hands-on activities. The Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast first rolled out the program last week, but it’s available to Girl Scouts across the country.

“We are so proud to be able to work with the Girl Scouts to introduce and empower young girls to learn about the construction industry,” says NAHB First Vice Chairman Alicia Huey. “We hope that this program helps to drive curiosity, expose them to new career paths and be a fun learning experience.”

“The Girl Scouts is the perfect organization for us to partner with to help inspire the next generation of young women,” adds Elkman. “I’m excited to show them the book and introduce them to some amazing women in the construction industry.”

According to NAHB, the shortage in skilled trade workers is a growing crisis, and women are the most underrepresented community in those careers, making up less than 3% of the workforce. The patch will expose girls to new skills and interests, and showcase the opportunities for successful careers in construction.

To earn The House That She Built Patch, the Girl Scouts will meet the author of The House That She Built, along with the general contractor and other key women involved in the home and story. They’ll also participate in hands-on activities. 

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