Hi everyone. I was looking to complete my Gold Award and I wanted to make it something education or STEM related. I thought about creating little free libraries around my town; however, I don’t think that will get approved. Please let me know if you have any ideas.
Why do you think a Little Free Libraries project won’t get approved? Perhaps you could create a proposal where you would put the Little Free libraries in an area/zip code of your town that is low performing (school achievement wise)? Or one at each city park? A more focused project. You could also conduct a used book drive to collect enough books to keep the libraries stocked for a year (yes, some people do “take one, leave one” - but many people - especially if they don’t have books to call their own, will take more than they leave). You could also recruit businesses/organizations to be responsible for stocking the libraries on a regular basis. Or you could create models that are STEM related (a rocket ship shape, etc.)
My D developed a website for all the local social services available together with a DVD and booklet with all the pamphet information, etc. for those persons without internet/computers. It listed food banks, public transportation schedules, WIC info, that sort of thing. She provided a dozen libraries with the information. It took 18 months from initial approval to end but it was well received by the council.
My S for his Eagle project fixed up and painted the middle school band room with several scouts and volunteers he recruited and organized, including repairing the instrument stands.
A friend recruited him and a few tech savvy scouts to retrofit and install software for the HS computer jab for ALL the computers there that no one had time to work on previously. It was another BScout Eagle project.
How about putting together a free week or weekend camp for kids that is STEM related? Write a curriculum, advertise the camp for kids who would benefit, gather a supply list and seek donations for supplies, recruit volunteers to assist, lead the camp, take pics for accountability, put together a power point or video of the project from start to finish.
I think the idea of putting together a camp for kids that is STEM related sounds really cool; especially for kids in low-income homes or those that do not have the opportunity. Is there any way I could conduct the project on a larger scale?
Similar to a camp - can you put together an after school STEM program in school which has a lot of kids from low income families? S participated / helped lead something similar to this in high school. The high school student volunteers led the programs once a week.
That sounds good. Do you know how I could involve institutions or universities to sponsor or host the event?
If you are interested in libraries/education why don’t you go over to your local library and speak with the librarians there to see if they have suggestion.
We have a My Brother’s Keeper project going here that is collecting books to put in barbershops. When I ran RIF (Reading is Fundamental) at our elementary school - the idea was to have a big collection of books that kids could pick from. The idea was that kids are more likely to read books they choose themselves without grownups trying to steer them to read books that are good for them.
How can you involve institutions or businesses or universities? ASK. 
But you have to have a thorough plan to present first. Honestly, you are better to start off somewhat small - like a camp with a limited amount of kids or an after school offering as FallGirl said - but limited to a couple of grades or something. Make something successful small first, then expand.
To get support you need to identify people or groups who are already drinking the “kool aid” you are trying to sell - in this case, STEM.
You should try googling Gold award ideas. One of the things about earning the gold award is promoting the passion behind it. If you take someone else’s idea without your own impetus, it may be hard to complete. I would start by listing things you love to do, then make another list with people you could help, then combine the two. Make sure the project is the right size. As a GS leader, I did a bronze project that could have been a silver award. So if you create a project that can have multiple steps that is better than a huge make or break type project. Also think about the costs and people you will need to depend on. Are you sure they will help? How? Planning takes more time than actually it seems. I would also suggest you talk to another GS who has similar interests to your own. She might have ideas for what she didn’t do and why. She can also talk about time management ( another big aspect of a gold award). Finally, do not get discouraged. The award is not only for the actual project, it is for the perseverance to get there. That is why only 1% earn the award. Good luck and get someone positive to keep you motivated.
How about getting a tool library rolling in your city if you don’t have one? Kind of STEM-related and much more useful than some other things mentioned up the thread. Seattle and Denver have those.
I think it’s great that you have decided to do this! I am a GS Gold Award volunteer and have helped many many girls toward this goal. Little free libraries, usually as part of a larger literacy (or even carpentry) program have been approved in our council. The key component for us is leadership. If you are a helper or it’s primarily a service project it will not be approved as is, by our council. As you consider all the great ideas above, remember to focus on the needs in the community. STEM is great, but your local library or other institutions might actually have slightly different needs. Maybe health literacy? or safe tool use? who knows? I can tell you though, from vast experience, that your interests and the need in the community have to meet in the middle or else you may have a hard time getting others interested. Building the first little free library with Spanish language books in a neighborhood without a bookstore or library? could really meet a need and you’ll get a lot of support. BUT build the fifth little free library in a town that has a great school system? people might not be interested enough to partner with you on the project. Good luck! I know you can do it…