Google cookie purchase to support moment of joy, innovative learning programs for girls

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma and Google are teaming up to give Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year a sweet treat.

The $10,000 in cookies will arrive at Norman North High School shortly after 1 p.m. Thursday via a 15-passenger van filled from floor-to-ceiling.

“Oklahoma educators work every day to create strong foundations for students and prepare them for success,” Andrew Silvestri, Google’s head of data center community development, said. “We know the future of our state depends on great teachers like Jessica Eschbach, and Google is thrilled to help create this moment of joy as we celebrate her being named the 2021 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.”

The cookies will be a mix of flavors, including favorites such as Thin Mints, Taga-longs and Samoas, and proceeds from the sale will go to local Girl Scout troops to support innovative learning opportunities for girls.

“In a year where teachers have been so stretched, we are pleased to partner with Google to spread some cookie love to a deserving teacher and her fellow educators,” said Shannon Evers, CEO of Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma. “Google’s commitment to STEM education is in perfect alignment with GUSA’s pledge to add 2.5 million girls into the STEM workforce pipeline by 2025.”

“We’re delighted to share this celebration with Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma and Google because great educators know the importance of modeling exceptional values like courage, confidence and character to their students. Innovative strategies and community partners are essential to the success of education in our state.”

Girl Scout Cookie season runs from Feb. 1 through March 21.

“Girl Scout Cookies bosses are proud to honor the Oklahoma teacher of the year, and they’re looking forward to assisting anyone who wants to create their own moment of joy through the gift of Girl Scout Cookies,” Evers said.

About Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma

Located in 39 Oklahoma counties in the central, southwest and northwest region of the state, Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Through leadership-building programs, GSWESTOK offers girls pathways to explore their interests - including STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math), healthy lifestyles and activities like our High Adventure Team and summer camps, and community service projects through our Bronze, Silver and Gold.

About Google in Oklahoma

Google is proud to call Oklahoma home to one of its largest data centers in the world. In 2007, Google announced plans to construct its first data center complex in Mayes County, Oklahoma. Google has since announced four additional expansions of its local data center facilities, bringing Google’s overall investments in the state to over $3 billion, and has established a long-term commitment to the region and state. Now a fully operational site, Google has created over 500 jobs on site, and works hard to support the communities in which its employees live and work. Since 2011, Google has awarded more than $3 million in grants to Oklahoma nonprofits and schools in areas including science and technology education, carbon reduction and access to the internet.