Lead with Confidence.
Let’s face it—high school can be tough. With so much to balance, manage, and juggle, youth have a lot of options. Girl Scouts River Valleys is here to help. With over 17,000 girls who use Girl Scouting as a resource to propel their bright futures, we know what it takes to help girls find their voice and unleash their potential.
The Girl Scout Leadership Institute is dedicated to supporting the well-being of high school girls and gender-expansive youth. The program focuses on critical skills needed for the transition from adolescence to adulthood, emphasizing leadership, college prep, career and workforce development, and mental health. No matter where you are in your journey, we want you to be successful. You belong here.
Career Exploration
From business to engineering, we’ll introduce Girl Scouts to new career paths and give them the skills they need to succeed.
Mental
Health
Sessions will focus on self-care solutions, teaching Girl Scouts to pour into themselves to help them navigate the challenging teen years.
Leadership
Through affirming programs, Girl Scouts will build their confidence to be able to step into leadership roles in high-school and beyond.
College Preparation
From applying for scholarships to college tours, we’ll set program participants up for post-secondary success.
Program Sessions
Busy schedule? No problem! Girl Scout Leadership Institute meets one Saturday each month from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Once participants sign up for sessions, location details will be shared. Teens can expect to be immersed in interactive sessions, have fun and learn a lot while also earning patches and badges.
Grades 9 and 10
Date |
Session Title |
October 10 |
Program Launch |
November 9 |
Slaying Fashion with Science |
December 7 |
In My Taking Care of Myself Era |
January 18 |
Secure the Bag! How to Write Scholarship Letters that Will Earn You Cash for College |
February 15 |
Above the Influence: Social Media in a Digital Age |
March 15 |
Career Confidence to Rock the Workforce |
April 12 |
Show Me the Money! |
May 10 |
GSLI End-of-Year Cohort Celebration |
June |
Camp |
Grades 11 and 12
Date |
Session Title |
October 10 |
Program Launch |
November 9 |
Standing on Business! An Inside Look at the Beauty of Entrepreneurship |
December 7 |
In My College Student Era |
January 18 |
Cracking the College Code: GSLI College Tour Unlocked |
February 15 |
Social Boss Strategies for Safely Creating Online Success |
March 15 |
Resumes, Wardrobe and Workforce Essentials |
April 12 |
Financing Your Future - FAFSA Credit and Money Management |
May 10 |
GSLI End-of-Year Cohort Celebration |
June |
Camp |
Partners
PROGRAM STAFF
Paulette Bonneur, M.S.
Director of New Strategic Initiatives
Paulette is a passionate educator and changemaker ready to help high school girls succeed in Girl Scouting, and in life. She has spent several years as a Girl Scouts Troop Leader for BIPOC youth, and is active in her community. Prior to joining Girl Scouts River Valleys, Paulette spent 14 years working in higher education. Fun Fact: Paulette graduated from Park Center High School and grew up down the street from the Brooklyn Center Service Center!
PROGRAM STAFF
CheNaya Johnson
Girl Scout Leadership Institute Coordinator
CheNaya Johnson serves as the Girl Scout Leadership Institute Coordinator, where she oversees older girl recruitment, maintains communication with participants and their families, and ensures the smooth operation of sessions and events. She is also responsible for managing registration and budgeting for the programs.
Originally from Richfield, Minnesota, Johnson has dedicated 15 years to youth outreach. Her background includes extensive experience in community outreach, working with underserved youth, and human resources, all of which contribute to her passion and expertise in her role. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is deeply committed to mentoring young girls, fostering character development, and advocating for youth within the juvenile justice system.!
ILLUSTRATION ARTIST
Leeya Rose Jackson
Leeya Rose Jackson is a is a multidisciplinary artist, art director, designer and Girl Scout Alum based in North Minneapolis. Her work celebrates the intersections of identity, specifically Blackness, femininity, and queerness. She particularly enjoys projects where art and design can come together to convey a message for social good. A MCAD–Jerome Fellow and Art Director, Leeya has created for Afropunk, Metro Transit, APM Studios, Sony Music, The Twins, MPR, Teach for America, Giphy, Heinz, the NPCA and many other organizations. Visit her website to learn more.
Girl Scout Leadership Institute FAQs
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