Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) are working together to bring their outcome-driven experiences and programs to more girls across the country. The two organizations are combining their efforts to provide access to leadership and mentoring opportunities in the areas of STEM, outdoors, life skills development, and entrepreneurship.
Both GSUSA and BBBSA recognize the impact forging meaningful connections with others and cultivating a sense of belonging can have on a young person’s life, especially girls. At a time when students are struggling with their mental and emotional health after a year and a half of remote learning, this intervention and connection are needed more than ever.
“Mental health is top of mind for both girls and their caregivers,” shared interim GSUSA CEO Judith Batty. “Girl Scouts’ fun, educational, and research-based programming leaves a positive, lasting impact on girls as young as kindergarten and helps them develop into responsible, caring, and engaged leaders. The world needs Girl Scouts more than ever, and we are thrilled to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to support their caring mentors with our programming as they empower girls to stay on a path to a successful future.”
With nearly nine of 10 Girl Scout alums achieving a high sense of life satisfaction both personally and professionally, and 93 percent of BBBSA youth participants, affectionately called Littles, attributing the presence of an adult who cares and looks out for them as very important in helping them achieve their goals, both BBBSA and GSUSA are well equipped to support girls in communities nationwide.
“BBBSA is committed to nurturing the growth and continued success of today’s youth, and we’re excited to announce this new alliance with Girl Scouts to bring the necessary resources to young girls who are seeking guidance and direction,” said Artis Stevens, president, and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “These new connections and educational tools will allow our organizations to better equip young girls to conquer their struggles and the everyday obstacles they’re facing in today’s world. Together, we can and will create a positive and impactful change for the future young women of our country.”
Through this partnership, local BBBSA agencies and corresponding Girl Scout councils in 14 markets will partner to recruit and enroll “matches” of Big Sisters (volunteers) and Little Sisters. The ‘matches’ will have access to education-based tools and guidance during the 2021-2022 school year. This will allow even more girls to gain important skills through the Girl Scout Experience. Girl Scouts and BBBSA plan to implement this partnership more broadly in the coming years.
To learn more about the offerings and overall partnership, visit https://www.bbbs.org/girl-scouts/.
To learn more about Girl Scouts and volunteer opportunities, visit www.nmgirlscouts.org/join.
To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters' mentorship and volunteer opportunities, visit www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.
