GSSEM's Annual Robotics Expo Inspires Next-Gen STEAM Talent at Michigan Central Station

The 2025 GSSEM Robotics Expo was a powerful celebration of creativity, teamwork, and STEAM innovation.

July 11, 2025

Girl Scout robotics teams, families, and community partners gathered for an unforgettable day of hands-on exploration, recognition, and fun. Held in the newly renovated and stunning Youth Lab, located on the 5th floor of Michigan Central Station, the event offered both inspiration and impact.

A special thank you to Janelle Arbuckle-Michael and the Michigan Central Station team for generously donating the beautiful venue space. The breathtaking setting created the perfect backdrop for showcasing the hard work and imagination of the participating Girl Scouts.

Girl Scout Robotic Teams

The room buzzed with anticipation as the event began.

Families and friends were encouraged to write peer inspiration messages, dropping motivational notes into small boxes placed at each team's table. This simple but meaningful gesture filled the room with positivity and camaraderie.

Five Girl Scout robotics teams showcased their custom-built robots, innovation projects, and engineering processes to a panel of judges and curious attendees.

Awards, Recognitions, & Lasting Memories

After lunch, medals and certificates were awarded to each robotics team, and coaches and vendors were honored with special tokens of appreciation for their support and dedication.

Lael Harris, a rising high-school robotics student at Ecotec, reminded everyone that "...the future of STEAM is brighter with young women leading the charge."

Congratulations to our 2025 Robotics Expo winners!!

FIRST PLACE: Glitz & Glitter
SECOND PLACE: Mermaid Mechanics
THIRD PLACE: Junior Brick Raiders
FOURTH PLACE: Submarine Sisters
FIFTH PLACE: Troop 77713 FLLC Team

First Place: Glitz & Glitter

Second Place: Mermaid Mechanics

Third Place: Junior Brick Raiders

A Day That Matters

More than just a showcase of STEAM talent, the 2025 GSSEM Robotics Expo was a reminder of how powerful experiential learning can be, especially when it's rooted in community, mentorship, and Girl Scout values.

From the first line of code to the final team presentation, participating Girl Scouts demonstrated leadership, creativity, and the kind of forward-thinking needed in the innovators of tomorrow.

"We are so proud of what our teams accomplished," said Dr. Shelley Pelton, Senior Director of Program Innovation. "Events like this remind us that with the right environment and support, girls can truly do anything—and they're already proving it."

Looking Ahead

As GSSEM prepares for future STEAM programming and events, the Robotics Expo stands as a shining example of what happens when passion, planning, and partnership come together.

A heartfelt thank you to all the families, vendors, volunteers, and staff who made this special day possible:

Janelle Arbuckle-Michael - Youth Floor, Michigan Central Station
Jay Jessen - Marburger STEM Center, Lawrence Technical University
Keith Young - Ecotech Labs
Sadeem Boji - Google Code Next
Steven Szalanski - iCode
Michigan Science Center
Deirdre Roberson, Ph.D & Alecia M. Gabriel, Ph.D. - The Lab Drawer
Greg McDonald - csiSIM
Allen Park High School Robotics Team
Atomic Toads Robotic Team, Novi Schools
Lawrence Technical University Race Car Simulation
Leon Pryor - Motor City Alliance
GSSEM Mobile STEAM Lab

Thank you for empowering the next generation of scientists, engineers, and changemakers—one robot at a time.