New Providence scouts earn Silver Award for project helping neurodivergent students

Four ninth-grade Girl Scouts from Troop 45043 were recognized by the council for earning their Girl Scout Silver Awards after completing a project to make information and resources more accessible to neurodivergent students in the New Providence schools.

The presenter said the scouts — Fatima Jagie, Lily Nichols, Lipa Kothashova and Maddie Hill — worked closely with Dr. Joseph Harvey, director of special services at the New Providence School District, to develop an educational slideshow that explains what it means to be neurodivergent and outlines Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans. "Their project focused on making information and resources more accessible to neurodivergent students at New Providence Middle School, particularly in relation to individualized education programs and 504 plans," the presenter said.

The troop also celebrated Neurodiversity Awareness Month by researching books with neurodivergent characters and advocating for the district library to add those titles and display them to raise awareness. The presenter said the materials will be shared with future students entering the district’s special services program so the scouts’ work will benefit future cohorts.

The council joined attendees in congratulating the scouts and took photographs to mark the recognition. Officials and community members praised the students’ leadership and community service, and no formal council action was required to recognize the award winners.

The recognition highlights local youth engagement on disability awareness and school-based supports.