Girl Scouts of Gateway Council (GSGC), in partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), is expanding leadership development opportunities more than ever before.

The 2018-2019 Girl Scouting season has begun. This year, Girl Scouts in Northeast and North Central Florida can expect to be challenged by new programs implementing hands-on STEM activities, financial literacy, civic engagement and other personal development activities. Girl Scouts interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics have more opportunities than ever to build robots, design cranes and balloon-powered cars, learn about jet propulsion, investigate cybercrimes, conduct space investigations and more. The new programs are a way for girls to earn badges aimed at addressing some of society’s most pressing needs, while giving Girl Scouts a safe all-girl space to develop important soft skills, like confidence and perseverance.

“National data shows us that only 24 percent of scientists and engineers are women,” said Gateway Council CEO Mary Anne Jacobs. “Girl Scouts did an impact study in 2017. It showed that 60 percent of girls involved in Girl Scouts are likely to participate in STEM activities, with non-Girl Scouts only 35 percent as likely. We want to encourage girls to break the mold – to instill in her that she can do anything.”

Girl Scouts are also encouraged to become leaders within their local community. One of the best ways this is done is through the Gold Award. A Girl Scout that aims to achieve her Gold Award must plan and execute a creative, impactful and sustainable “Take Action” project in response to her community’s needs. Last season, 15 local Gateway Council Girl Scouts were recognized for their inspiring projects ranging from special needs education to coastal beach erosion. Colleges, universities and civic organizations also recognize the value of Girl Scouts, providing scholarship opportunities and advanced rankings to Girl Scouts that have achieved the prestigious Gold Award.

“Girl Scouts is solely for girls for a reason,” says Jacobs. “We are the experts on girls. We have over 100 years of experience of advocating for girl leadership, providing girls with the tools to empower themselves and giving girls a place where they can find their voices in challenging times.”

Girl Scouts of Gateway Council serves the Northeast and North Central Florida region where Girl Scouts are encouraged to unleash their inner G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker and Leader)™ while striving to make the world a better place. To find out more about how your girl can get involved with Girl Scouts, to volunteer or donate, visit www.girlscouts-gateway.org or contact TriciaRae Stancato at [email protected] or (904) 421-3484.