BNSF Railway became the first private company this week to take part in the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council “Classroom to Career” program and helped ensure the continued success of the program with a $5,000 contribution presented to GSSGC’s Knea Hawley.

Thirty girls from Colton Middle School took a tour of BNSF’s San Bernardino Yard and then participated in a panel discussion with BNSF employees. The panelists discussed their jobs and career paths and offered advice to the students.

Mary K. Danielson, herself a GSSGC and UCI alumna, currently works as an engineer at BNSF Railway in San Bernardino. She volunteered to speak with the girls.

“Thank you so much for inviting me to the Girl Scout event! I enjoyed speaking to the girls about my experiences as a Girl Scout and about my position at BNSF. It was nice to be able to give back to an organization that had a positive influence on me. I hope I’ve interested at least some of the girls to pursue a career in Engineering!” beamed Mary.

Added Lena Kent, director, public affairs, “BNSF is proud to support this valuable program that introduces girls to a broad range of career opportunities.”

Through the Classroom to Career program, girls from underserved schools are exposed to a variety of career paths and the educational requirements expected of each. The long term objective of the program is for participants to make more informed decisions regarding their education and career choices and begin to see themselves in a leadership role.

Other key sponsors of the program include Bank of America and The Gas Company.