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Sahana Rajiv Earns Girl Scout Gold Award by Making STEM More Accessible Through Innovation
Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey proudly recognizes Sahana Rajiv for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, by creating an innovative tool that makes architecture, design, and STEM learning more accessible for young people.
For her project, Sahana developed a web-based platform that converts 3D model files into buildable LEGO® sculpture instructions, giving students a hands-on way to explore complex concepts in a creative and engaging format. Her goal was to bridge the gap between technology and accessibility—helping students not only understand STEM, but experience it.
“I wanted to create something that combined creativity with STEM and made complex ideas feel approachable,” Sahana shared. “Students can use emerging technology not just for entertainment, but to build meaningful tools that help others learn.”
Sahana brought her idea to life by building and deploying the platform using Cursor, then leading interactive workshops where students learned how the software works and created their own models. Through these sessions, participants developed problem-solving skills, explored design thinking, and gained confidence in their ability to create with technology.
To ensure her project would have a lasting impact, Sahana focused on sustainability from the start. She:
- Donated lesson kits to a local library’s LEGO club
- Created step-by-step facilitator and student guides
- Trained youth volunteers to independently lead future workshops
- Produced online tutorial videos so the program can reach beyond her community
Her web app also remains publicly available, allowing anyone to access and use the tool.
Through her project, Sahana not only introduced students to STEM concepts, but empowered them to see themselves as creators and innovators.
“Being a Girl Scout means using leadership and creativity to make a meaningful impact on my community,” she said. “It’s about identifying a problem, taking initiative, and building a sustainable solution.”
The Girl Scout Gold Award challenges girls to take action on issues they care about and create lasting change in their communities and beyond. Through her dedication, innovation, and leadership, Sahana Rajiv has done exactly that—building a resource that will continue to inspire and educate for years to come.
March 27, 2026
