Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida proudly celebrates Girl Scout Ambassador Alexa Parsons for earning the prestigious Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting.

Through her project, Coding a Brighter Future, Alexa addressed the lack of early exposure to computer science among young girls by creating sustainable, hands-on learning opportunities across Southwest Florida.

Research from the State of the Florida Girl Report indicates only 1/3 of high school computer science students in Florida are girls. Upset by the lack of gender parity in the field, she created a plan to educate local girls about coding and get them excited about the field.

She launched and led a Python-based Coding Club at Oak Ridge Middle School, delivered classroom presentations at Laurel Oak Elementary School, led STEM workshops for local Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts, and reached more than 1,000 students and families through an interactive booth at the Back to School Expo.

Using pre- and post-program surveys, Alexa measured measurable growth in student knowledge, technical skill development, and confidence in pursuing STEM coursework. A majority of participants reported increased interest in enrolling in future computer science classes and greater belief in their ability to succeed in STEM fields.

She ensured long-term sustainability by training younger student leaders and collaborating with her high school’s Girls Who Code members to continue the program.

The Girl Scout Gold Award, presented by Girl Scouts of the USA, is earned by fewer than six percent of eligible Girl Scouts nationwide and recognizes young women who identify a community issue and create lasting, measurable change.

We are proud to celebrate Alexa’s leadership and her commitment to expanding access to STEM education for the next generation. 💚