What is the Girl Scout Leadership Institute?
Girl Scout Leadership Institute (GSLI) is dedicated to supporting the well-being of high school girls and gender-expansive youth in high school. The program focuses on critical skills needed for the transition from adolescence to adulthood with emphasis on leadership, college prep, career and workforce development, and mental health. GSLI creates an environment where Girl Scouts develop an affirmed sense of identity, positive mental health, life skill development, and provides workforce/ career exploration opportunities.
What are the current program participation levels?
Ambassadors- Grades 11 & 12
Seniors- Grades 9 & 10
Why don’t I see options for Cadette participation (grades 6-8)?
GSLI will focus on high school students during its pilot period; however, Cadettes will be able to participate soon!
What is the cost of participating in GSLI?
Girl Scouts River Valleys is committed to reducing barriers for all Girl Scouts. In most cases, there is no cost for membership, uniforms, or program experiences for new members. Current members will be responsible for their own uniforms however, will not incur a cost for participating in GSLI.
Can I participate in GSLI if I am already part of a troop?
Yes! Current Girl Scouts who meet the grade-level criteria are able to participate in GSLI. Note, there are limited spots for current members as the program rolls out.
Why is there a limit on the amount of current members who can participate?
Girl Scouts River Valleys has reviewed research and gathered feedback for volunteers and youth; we know that programming for older girls is an area of improvement for GSUSA as a whole. We also recognize that our current model of Girl Scouting is not sustainable with how rapidly the world is changing. We are committed to our part; however, we also have a commitment to ensure Girl Scouting is available to all girls, so this pilot year will be an opportunity to see what the needs are, build and expand from there. Stay tuned!
What is the time commitment to participate in GSLI?
The GSLI cohort meets one Saturday per month. There are additional opportunities for participation in incentive events, externships, and Girl Scouts River Valleys council-led activities based on interests. Girls involved in sports and other co-curricular activities at their school are encouraged to enroll in his flexible option.
Where will the sessions be held?
Monthly sessions will be held at various locations throughout Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, and St. Paul. Additional information will be available when locations are confirmed.
How is GSLI funded?
Girl Scouts River Valleys is a big part of the community. We have been doing work to become an anti-racist organization, and our efforts have been recognized widely by philanthropic donors. This program will be seed funded by a donor gift, and we are actively seeking partners who believe in girls’ potential to contribute to their communities and the world.
When is the program starting?
GSLI will kick-off at a launch event October 10, 2024, for anyone interested in learning more and prospective participants. Sessions will be November 2024 – June 2025. Registration is accepted on a rolling basis starting September 16, 2024.
Who can I contact for additional information?
For now, you can work directly with the staff person who guides your volunteerism. They may be able to answer any questions you have, and if not, they will find the responses for you. If you need further assistance, you can email the Director of New Strategic Initiatives at gsli@girllscoutsrv.org.
What kinds of activities will GSLI Leaders take part in?
GSLI is focused on three main areas of learning with the fourth being the overarching concept of leadership. Sessions will be focused on grade level responsive programming centered around:
College preparation
Career & Workforce development
& mental health
Will current employees/ volunteers be able to assist at sessions?
Yes, there will be opportunities for staff and volunteers to assist with monthly sessions with tasks such as:
Check-in
Human signage
Food servers
General assistance at sessions
Cleanup, Etc.
Stay tuned for additional information about how to sign up.