The Case for Girl Scouts

Today’s youth need a broad set of skills, behaviors, and attitudes to effectively navigate their environment, work well with others, perform their best, and achieve their goals—competencies that are central to the development of human capital and workforce success around the world. Unfortunately, there is a profound gap between the knowledge and skills most youth learn in school and the knowledge and skills needed in 21st century communities and workplaces. 

The solution? Girl Scouts.

According to research conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI), Girl Scouts exhibit stronger leadership outcomes than non–Girl Scouts. In fact, compared to non–Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts are more likely to…

• Develop a strong sense of self
• Display positive values
• Seek challenges
• Form healthy relationships
• Be community problem-solvers

These benefits aren't exclusive to any particular demographic; all Girl Scouts are equally likely to develop these five outcomes, regardless of social class, zip code, race/ethnicity, or degree of engagement in other extracurricular activities. This means that no matter where girls live or what their age or background, Girl Scouts can help them develop to their full potential. That's right--Girl Scouting is for ALL girls. 

Research also suggests that enduring relationships with caring adults can provide a buffer against many of the negative influences and high-risk behaviors that youth navigate daily. And with Girl Scouts serving girls during the most formative years of their life, it's imperative that we do our part to keep those positive influences prominent. Positive relationships with caring adults can support academic achievement and the development of resilience and self-esteem. The Girl Scout Impact Study shows that Girl Scouts and non–Girl Scouts are equally likely to have an adult in their lives who cares about and supports them, but Girl Scouts are more likely than non–Girl Scouts to have adults in their lives who help them pursue their goals and think about their future. Indeed, at Girl Scouts, adult volunteers push girls to be the best they can be and expand their possibilities by connecting them to people, ideas, and experiences to help them grow.

Having a supportive adult in Girl Scouts is especially beneficial for girls of lower socioeconomic status (SES). In our study, lower-SES Girl Scouts were significantly more likely than lower-SES non-Girl Scouts to say they have an adult in their lives who helps them pursue their goals. In contrast, higher-SES Girl Scouts and non–Girl Scouts did not significantly differ in their ratings. Importantly, lower-SES Girl Scouts had ratings equivalent to their higher-SES Girl Scout peers, suggesting Girl Scouts provides supportive adults that are crucial to girls’ success in life.

In other words, Girl Scouting works! The Girl Scout Impact Study confirms that Girl Scouting has a strong, positive impact on girls, helping them develop into citizens who are responsible, caring,  engaged, and prepared for a lifetime of leadership.

Begin a lifetime of leadership today! 

To read the full report from the Girl Scout Impact Study, click here.