When I think of Girl Scouts, I think of little girls doing good deeds and selling cookies. Until recently, I had no idea that this organization works with middle and high school girls as well. In fact, these teen girls are doing amazing things in their communities and changing the world for the better. In my opinion, the Girl Scout’s Gold Award is the best kept secret in scholarship opportunities for girls that every counselor should know about.
This isn’t about helping an elder across the street. No, these girls are making a real impact on important human rights issues. They are being offered top notch scholarships because of these accomplishments. I’m so thankful to be asked to participate in this sponsored post by Girl Scouts of the USA. I could not wait to get this information out to my readers.
Facts Educators Should Know about Girl Scouts
- The Gold Award can lead to multiple scholarships and open doors for career opportunities. Check out their educator page for more details.
- Being a Girl Scout can improve overall achievement in middle and high school girls. You can read the report if you are a numbers person and like to see the stats.
- Girls can join the Girl Scouts for the first time as a teen and still earn their Gold Award.
- Girl Scouts teaches a range of life skills such as leadership, grit, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and outdoor resourcefulness. They also include real world experiences that tie into science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Each year, Girl Scouts of the USA selects 10 exceptionally inspiring Gold Award Girl Scouts, nominated by local councils, as National Gold Award Girl Scouts. They are selected if their project demonstrated extraordinary leadership, had a measurable and sustainable impact, and addressed a local challenge related to a national and/or global issue.
This year, I was particularly struck by Taryn-Marie’s story. She was passionate about helping foster kids get the support they need as they head to college. She secured donations and created dorm kits for students aging out of foster care. As a former foster parent, I often wonder how my former placements are doing. This gives me some comfort knowing that people like her are looking out for them. You can read all ten of the National Gold Award Girl Scout stories for inspiration.
Are you a Gold Award Girl Scout? I’d love to hear about your experience and how it opened doors for you. Let me know in the comments what you did to earn your award.
