There are 14 million girls ages 11 to 17 in the United States today. To better understand and respond to their critical needs, the MetLife Foundation collaborated with Girl Scouts of the USA to develop projects and initiatives that research and respond to 'tween and teen girls' concerns and interests.

In 1999, the MetLife Foundation and Girl Scouts of the USA launched the Mentoring Girls program, which provides adult mentors to girls 11 to 17. Through Mentoring Girls, caring adults offer their time and skills to encourage girls to meet their goals.

The Ten Emerging Truths: New Directions for Girls 11-17 research study gave voice to more than 3,000 girls and served as the basis for the MetLife New Directions Fund for Girls 11-17.

Now, MetLife Foundation is helping GSUSA reach underserved girls and their families to help them pursue the dream of a college education through the College Pathways Program, which launched in 2004.

GSUSA created two resources with funding from the MetLife Foundation: College 101: A Guide for High School Girls, and the newly published Route to Success: An Adult Guide to the College­Planning Process (published in English and Spanish), which is primarily aimed at parents and guardians, who may know little about helping a girl prepare for college. These guides provide information on a wide range of college-related topics, and the material is organized chronologically, highlighting important preparatory steps for girls to take during each year beginning in middle or junior high school.

In addition to the resources, the MetLife Foundation is also funding a number of practical initiatives that increase access to higher education. Thanks to a further grant from the MetLife Foundation in 2006, GSUSA is now expanding the highly successful College Pathways Program, bringing its benefits to an even wider audience of girls.

MetLife has been a longtime partner of Girl Scouting and has provided major support for our Edith Macy Conference Center and John J. Creedon Education Center in Briarcliff Manor, New York, along with many critical program initiatives. The Edith Macy Conference Center complex is the site of skill-enhancement courses for Girl Scout national and local staff and volunteers. Participants learn job training skills or further their professional development at high-level management programs. Participants return with new skills and knowledge and a renewed commitment to their work. Girls also enjoy the facility for leadership institutes and other training sessions.

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife for the purpose of supporting educational, health, civic and cultural organizations. MetLife's goals are to strengthen communities, promote good health and improve education.