Girl Scouts Innovation Challenge Winner Myla Clemetsen, 12, drives the SAM car in Denver, Colorado on April 23, 2022. Her family also learned how to drive the car. Arrow’s Semi-Autonomous Motorcar (SAM) is a smart, connected racer that former IndyCar driver Sam Schmidt operates using head head movements for steering and breathing through a tube for speed. Photo by Ellen Jaskol/Arrow.
Arrow Electronics partners with Girl Scouts to spark innovative ideas
At Girl Scouts, “if you can dream it, you can do it.” Through the Cookie Box Innovation Challenge powered by Arrow Electronics, Girl Scout Cadette Myla from Arvada made her dream design a reality. By using recyclable materials she built a prototype of her innovation, Helping Hand Glove.
The thought process behind her innovation went like this: Is there a simple device for people with lack of fine motor skills to help them hold objects? Without assistance, some people may not be able to draw, write, eat, or even simply hold a piece of paper. “I discovered that robotic gloves are the only option and decided to invent the Helping Hand Glove. With five strategically placed magnets, it can assist the user in many ways— from helping hold a pencil or pen to holding a fork and eating, to just holding a paper,” said Myla.
In recognition of her achievement and as a reflection of its own commitment to innovation, Arrow Electronics awarded Myla to a ride in the Arrow Electronics SAM car on April 23, at Coors Field. Arrow Electronics modified a Corvette to empower quadriplegic, former IndyCar race driver Sam Schmidt to drive again, using head and voice controls. The SAM car is an example of peak innovation that inspired Girl Scouts as they created their innovations. Myla had the opportunity to drive the car and experience first-hand the power of innovation.
In addition, Arrow Electronics is offering another $250 cash prize to one Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award project that implements design thinking and meets their mission of “finding solutions and connecting people with technology that makes life better.” Any project submitted between March 2, 2022, and March 1, 2023, will have the opportunity to be considered for this Arrow Innovation Award.
The Bronze Award is the highest award a Girl Scout in 4th or 5th grade can earn; a Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout in 6th-8th grade can earn; and high school-aged Girl Scouts who earn the Gold Award tackle issues that are dear to them and drive lasting change in their communities and beyond.
“It’s inspiring to see the type of innovations these Girl Scouts have designed, and I’m excited to see what they continue to create in the future,” said Arrow Electronics Global Corporate Social Responsibility Director Joe Verrengia.
Through the Innovation Challenge, Girl Scouts learned what innovation is from female Arrow Electronics staff and how to tap the innovation potential in themselves. This opportunity allowed girls to discover and develop their capacity for translating their own ideas into solutions to help change their communities and the world for the better.
“We have truly valued this unique opportunity for Girl Scouts to have first-hand experience with professionals, products, and lessons around innovation thanks to the support from Arrow Electronics,” said Girl Scouts of Colorado CEO Leanna Clark.
We Are Girl Scouts Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscoutsofcolorado.org.
About Arrow Electronics Arrow Electronics guides innovation forward for over 220,000 leading technology manufacturers and service providers. With 2021 sales of $34 billion, Arrow develops technology solutions that improve business and daily life. Learn more at fiveyearsout.com.
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