Girl Scouts Open DreamLab Learning Facility in Paramus

Girl Scouts of Northern Jersey just opened a 12,000-square-foot learning center they’re calling DreamLab. It’s in Paramus. Young members can try podcasting, coding, and woodworking there.

Three high school members served as advisors while builders constructed the place. The makeover took a year and cost $3 million.

Test kitchens fill part of the building. They can switch into coding labs or art studios, depending on what the day brings. There are rooms where kids can record podcasts or practice public speaking. Microscopes sit next to 3D printers so members can tinker with STEM projects and write their own code.

“One of the things that I really love was having the microscopes here and the 3D printers, so girls could be able to learn how to code and make things for themselves, and be able to figure out what they liked in the world of STEM,” said Yasmine Lalani, a member who helped design the facility, according to WABC-TV.

Sandra Kenoff runs the organization as President and CEO. She thinks DreamLab will get young women ready for AI and tech jobs that didn’t exist ten years ago.

“Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. And we always talk about keeping up with the speed of girls. And when we’re in a world of AI and, technology and advancements, and we want to make sure that we are doing more to develop girls into the leaders of tomorrow,” Kenoff said.

Tanvee Sethi worked as another advisor. She sees the building as a doorway. “I think the space is just a symbol of possibility. It gives girls an opportunity to explore different things. It gives them an opportunity to socialize. And I feel like growing up, I never had that. So to me, the space is very emotional,” Sethi said.

Emilia Cole was the third high school advisor on the project. She loved building a place where members could chase what they care about most.

When members attend school, other nonprofits can use DreamLab. Staff members plan to offer computer classes for seniors and host blood drives.

DreamLab opens in June.

The post Girl Scouts Open DreamLab Learning Facility in Paramus appeared first on WMTR AM.