Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

The Girl Scouts’ mission is to build “girls of courage, confidence, and character who
make the world a better place.” We are a girl-led, volunteer-driven organization, which
focuses on creating experiences to build leadership skills in girls around the world. Girl
Scouts founder, Juliette Gordon Low, had a vision of providing all girls, regardless of race, class,
or situation, with the opportunity to better themselves, their circumstances,
and their communities.
What Girl Scouts Does: Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character
who make the world a better place. As the largest leadership development program for
girls in grades K-12, Girl Scouts provides evidence-based programming that helps girls
develop essential life skills through hands-on experiences. The organization creates
safe, inclusive environments where girls can explore their interests, take healthy risks,
and develop leadership capabilities without gender stereotypes limiting their potential.
Through a comprehensive approach combining STEM education, entrepreneurship, life
skills, and outdoor experiences, Girl Scouts prepares girls for academic success and
future careers while fostering their commitment to community service and social
change. Research demonstrates that Girl Scout alumnae are more ambitious, less
afraid of risks, more confident, and more likely to stand up for their beliefs compared to
other women. They pursue higher education at higher rates, with 84% attending college
versus the national average of 68%, and are twice as likely to participate in STEM
activities.
The Girl Scout Curriculum: The Girl Scout curriculum centers on nationally developed,
age-specific programs called Journeys that engage girls in deep exploration of topics
like STEM, financial literacy, and healthy living. These evidence-based materials align
with Common Core Standards and incorporate the Search Institute 40 Developmental
Assets for positive youth development. Each Journey follows structured lesson plans
guiding girls through cycles of observation, inquiry, problem-identification, and problem-
solving.
Activities intentionally embrace multiple perspectives and levels of analysis,
encouraging critical thinking and application of learning in ways that transform thinking
and behaviors. For example, in the Automotive Design Journey, girls examine vehicles,
share experiences, brainstorm transportation solutions, test ideas, and iterate designs.
This cyclical approach deepens understanding while building confidence in STEM
subjects and analytical thinking.
The curriculum is designed to be culturally responsive, reflecting diverse communities
while building confidence, positive values, challenge-seeking skills, and healthy
relationship capabilities. Materials affirm girls identities and encourage them to bring
their own assets and experiences to the learning process.

Staff-Led Troops: Staff-led troops represent Girl Scouts innovative approach to
expanding access in under-resourced communities where traditional volunteer-led
models face barriers. Trained Girl Scout professionals, often hired from the communities
they serve, facilitate weekly sessions for groups of 10-14 girls. These staff leaders
receive comprehensive training in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, cultural
competency, and youth development best practices. As with all troops, staff leaders
adapt programming to local contexts while maintaining fidelity to proven Girl Scout
outcomes, creating meaningful connections between girls and caring adult mentors who
understand their experiences and can serve as role models for future success.

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