Academic Edge

A Report by the Girl Scout Research Institute

Academic Edge

Girl Scouts’

What if we could develop millions more top-notch innovators, policymakers, technologists, and entrepreneurs? And what if they were all women?

The Girl Scouts of Today Are the Leaders of Tomorrow

For over a century, Girl Scouts has been preparing girls to take the lead, explore their passions, and make the world a better place for generations to come. Girl Scout alums are successful in all kinds of fields. In fact, Girl Scouts comprise:

Through Girl Scouts, girls succeed academically, develop new talents, and explore their passions. By promoting skills like critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration, Girl Scouts sets girls up for powerful futures.

of female

100%

of female

69%

U.S. secretaries of state

U.S. senators

57%

U.S. congresswomen

of female

50%

business leaders

Girl Scouts are more likely to:

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53%

45%

70%

60%

73%

64%

26%

14%

Girl Scouts

Non-Girl Scout girls

Exhibit higher future expectations

53%

45%

70%

60%

73%

64%

26%

14%

Demonstrate higher academic aspirations

Earn “excellent” grades

Desire careers in STEM

Compared to other women, Girl Scout alums:

2.25 times

Are

as likely to have a bachelor’s degree

Are

14%

more in demand for jobs

Earn

23%

more than their peers who didn’t participate in Girl Scouts

“I would definitely encourage other educators to partner with Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts has so much to offer, not only your girls, but for your school community.”

—Principal

Girl Scouting Levels the Playing Field

Girls from lower socioeconomic-status communities and diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds particularly benefit from Girl Scouts.

Girls participating in Girl Scouts are more likely than other girls to have an adult in their lives who helps them pursue their personal and academic goals.

Girl Scouts continues to advocate for equality by pursuing gender equity in education, pay, and leadership for women of all backgrounds.

Now more than ever, girls need Girl Scouts— because all girls deserve educational opportunities that help them discover their strengths and passions.

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Girl Scouting Supports Girls Through the Turbulent Teen Years

Although Girl Scouts and other girls show similar developmental trends in the early years, by middle school trends start to diverge.

Confidence Level

Girl Scouts

Non-Girl Scout girls

Ages 11-13

Ages 14-15

Ages 17-18

4.26

4.30

4.34

4.10

3.97

3.95

Compared to other girls, middle school girls who participate in Girl Scouts have a stronger sense of self, show higher interest and involvement in their communities, and remain more confident about their futures.

The Girl Scout Model

How Girl Scouts produces results in millions of girls, time and time again.

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Girl Potential

Skills Programming

Girl Scout Leadership Experience

Caring Adults and Social Capital

Lifetime of Leadership

“[Girl Scouts helps] our young ladies to grow and develop from a social/ emotional point of view”

—Principal

There’s no limit to what a girl can achieve

STEM, Entrepreneurship, Outdoor, and more

Sense of Self, Positive Values, Challenge Seeking, Healthy Relationships, Community Problem Solving

Inspiring role models from girls’ own communities

She’s prepared for a bright today and a powerful tomorrow

Tell your community about Girl Scouts! Share info about how to get involved with your family, friends, and neighbors.

The case couldn’t be clearer— Girl Scouting works!

Girl Scouts is the best organization for preparing girls to succeed academically and become the next generation of leaders. Serving 2.5 million members, including girls and adult volunteers, Girl Scouts is uniquely positioned to equip all girls with the skills they need to succeed academically and lead in their own lives—and beyond.

Please fill out and submit the form below, and we will contact you about opportunities to share Girl Scouts with the girls in your school.

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Want to get involved with Girl Scouts?

Volunteer

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“Working with the Girl Scouts, an organization that’s known worldwide, is a no-brainer. It’s not a gamble, it’s a must-do.”

—Assistant Superintendent

Girl Scouting = Educational and Life Success

Research shows that participating in Girl Scouting is positively linked to grades and behavioral engagement in school.

Invest in girls. Change the world.

“

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Research shows that participating in Girl Scouting is positively linked to academic achievement and school engagement.

References • Girl Scouts of the USA (2018). Alums by the Numbers. • Girl Scouts of the USA (2017). The Girl Scout Impact Study. • Girl Scouts of the USA (2012). Girl Scouting Works. • Education and Job demand data provided by LinkedIn (2018-2019).