Today, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta (GSGATL), one of the state’s largest and most respected girl-serving organizations announced the expansion of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) program with a $50,000 grant from the Atlanta Women’s Foundation’s All Girls Forward, Girls Empowerment Program.

While Girl Scouts is open to all girls, not all can fully participate. Obstacles include limited financial resources, lack of adult volunteers and reliable transportation. This grant will expand an innovative partnership program bringing Girl Scout troop activities directly to a girl via a community group to which she already belongs.

The turnkey program will include training for partners and provide new Girl Scout members with books, badges, program supplies and more.

Studies are clear. Girls need support more than ever. Their mental well-being is at an all-time low¹, they are reporting feelings of anxiety and loneliness as early as age five². Georgia is 49^th out of 50 states in economic mobility³ with almost 20% of children in the GSGATL’s service area living in poverty⁴.

The Girl Scout troop structure creates a fellowship that grows into friendships. It provides hands-on learning experiences in STEM, civic engagement, artistic expression, outdoor skills and physical activity all within a supportive and safe space where girls are more likely to participate.

“If we leave one girl behind, that’s one too many,” said Jai Ferrell, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. “When two powerhouses like Girl Scouts and the Atlanta Women’s Foundation come together, progress happens. Expanding our partner-led programs means one thousand additional girls are receiving the tools to help achieve their dreams.”

Community partners vary from county to county and include:

Communities in Schools of Atlanta

DeKalb County Recreation Centers Department in DeKalb County

Clayton County Schools in Clayton County