Girl Scout Leadership Experience

There are long-standing gender gaps in the STEM field which can make it difficult for companies to fulfill their commitment to diverse hiring practices. Women are underrepresented for STEM education degrees and STEM training, which reduces the talent pool for companies to recruit from. According to 2022 report from the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI), women comprise about half of the total workforce but only 34% of the STEM workforce and have lower

median salaries than their male counterparts. This level of underrepresentation is an issue, partly because women are both overtly and covertly discouraged from pursuing STEM careers. Many of our volunteer mentors who share their experience with girls, are often honest about some of the difficulties that come from working in a male dominant space. Increasing women in STEM is not only great for the individuals, but to organizations and companies in our community. Increasing diversity in the workforce means gaining a variety of perspectives and ideas, which can give organizations a competitive edge. Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) statistics show that 75% of Girl Scouts in middle and high school who did multiple STEM activities, were interested in taking STEM classes in college, compared to only 50% among those who did not do STEM activities—a difference of 25 percentage points.

There is a great need to having young women pursing STEM careers in our region. Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council serves the Inland Empire in California, covering both Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The Inland Empire needs to prepare the workforce pipeline in several STEM industries but primarily transportation and logistics. According to business columnist Jonathan Lansner, industrial parks have been big drivers in the Inland Empire's booming job market. Over 100,000 jobs have been added since 2019 with two-thirds of those jobs being in transportation and logistics. Compared to the entire nation, the Inland Empire ranks third for total logistic jobs.  To engage this industry we collaborate with partners like Women Transportation Seminar (WTS-IE), Omnitrans, and Union Pacific Railway in to engage girls in work-based activities. An example is girls attending our Omnitrans location and having female engineers lead an exercise where girls create their own freeway exit and learn about the environmental and logistic components that go into freeway design.

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience connects girls with successful women in STEM career fields to provide knowledge, preparation, and motivation for pursuing such careers. Women come from careers in nano technology, cybersecurity, industrial engineering, robotics and more.  Program format helps girls link individual math and science aptitude to their career interests, mixing academics with career-based learning and workplace practices. Girls travel to several college and workplace locations, engage in professional panels, and attend industry sessions on careers like cybersecurity, mechanical engineering, transportation/logistics and more. Activities are in alignment with school districts career technical education pathways, preparing them to take specific courses in high school and beyond. Girls are introduced to new STEM pathways they may not have realized exists, broadening their mind and opening a wider possibility of females in pursuit of STEM careers. In addition to bridging girl connections with STEM leaders in the community we make sure girls engage through hands-on learning activities to peak interest and expand upon their skill levels. For example, in recent years we partnered with our local California State University of San Bernardino to a weeklong cybersecurity camp for girls. Girls participate in activities and workshops like social engineering, cybersecurity fundamentals, defense security, drones, networking analysis, mentorship sessions, leadership development ropes course, and engagement in a NICE challenge (The NICE Challenge Project develops real-world cybersecurity challenges within virtualized business environments that bring students the workforce experience before the workforce).

These experiences are coupled with STEM leadership badges that girls earn are varying levels. All program curriculum is specific to different age groups, recognizing the need to continuously challenge girls in their ambitions. This gender gap is perpetuated by gender stereotypes, math anxiety, a male-dominated STEM culture, and fewer female roles models. To address the gender gap in STEM, we need to provide girls with more opportunities and support early on. We must spark their curiosity in STEM fields, develop confidence in their STEM abilities, and help them understand how STEM plays a key role in everyday life. Badges are earned through a series of activities girls must participate in focused on a specific topic. Topics include general motors, automotive engineering, programming, gamer design, and more.  There are over 100 different STEM badge curriculums available.

The Inland Empire is a very diverse and widespread community that includes both dense cities and rural areas. The community continues to see much innovation. Having this wealth of talent and intellectual capital present is a great strength. Since GSSGC has a large volunteer foundation we are fortunate to have such a community supporting our efforts and interacting with the girls. This allows us to provide high quality mentors to our girls and format our program curriculum in a way that compliments current school structures. With so many of our connections working directly in the education field they help lend credibility to our program format and impact.

GSSGC’s program closes an educational and experiential gap for girls in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties by engaging girls in under resourced communities, continuing the work of creating equitable and impactful change. Many students do not receive development opportunities outside their parents and teachers. We continue to reach out to students living in communities grappling with violence, poverty, and limited educational opportunities. Through collaborations with organizations like Akoma Unity, SBCUSD Homeless Student Program, Community Action Partnership, and county foster agencies we can reach our target populations.

GSSGC serves an average of 8,000 girls on an annual basis throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties. We further collaborate with schools that continuously report higher percentages of students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Meal program. At least 76% of our population are low to moderate-income individuals. Growing up in low-income households elevates girls’ risk of experiencing behavioral, social, emotional and health challenges. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) improves the skillsets and knowledge of girls in our community while increasing access to these opportunities for lower income populations. By increasing interest and awareness in technology, engineering, and emergency medical service fields we simultaneously assist employers in connecting with qualified future candidates, filling the workforce pipeline with a qualified diverse group of young female leaders. Our educators also informed us that research shows that to be effective and long lasting, STEM engagement needs to start early and additionally supports their overall academic growth while developing early thinking and reasoning skills. Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) statistics show that 75% of Girl Scouts in middle and high school who did multiple STEM activities, were interested in taking STEM classes in college, compared to only 50% among those who did not do STEM activities—a difference of 25 percentage points.

Girl Scouts is well positioned due to our commitment to our organizational mission and strong ties within the community, and our large adult volunteer base. We expand our relationships through various avenues including attending and hosting community events, partnering with local educators and political leaders, and working alongside local nonprofits and community organizations to break down barriers that prevent us from reaching an equitable society. Some events include:

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

Transportation Day

Network Panel Meetings- Hosted with community leaders in different topics like education, workforce development, youth mental health and more.

GSSGC remains abreast of community needs by engaging with other active organizations, corporations, teachers, and health experts. Our organization hosts panels with experts and attend community events focused on education and workforce development needs. Through our extensive Girl Scout Network, we have direct access to the most current information from key community members. For example, at a recent community meeting with Ted Alejandre, San Bernardino County’s Superintendent, we learned about updates to the San Bernardino Cradle to Career Roadmap that identifies key milestones in a child’s academic and social readiness. This information allows us to provide programming relevant to community-based educational needs. 

We currently serve 11,763 girls throughout of different STEM program components offered.

We are applying for this challenge for the opportunity to further scale our programming and provide more streamlined in-depth opportunities for girls in our area. Refining the program model will ensure we are as effective as possible while still operating within our organization’s capacity. Currently our programs’ success has come from having such a vast network of connections for the girls and creating these opportunities to network and find mentors. Having access to a new network of partners across industries and sectors will expand our opportunities in partnership, thus expanding the opportunities and connections we can provide to girls in our area. Boosting awareness in new STEM sectors from new leaders will only help build our current program. In addition to the benefits this will provide our program directly, we are highly interested in personal and professional development opportunities. Our Board of Directors always brings their expertise and connection to our organization to continue the growth of staff volunteers, and the girls we serve. Leadership development is an ongoing process, and we recognize the importance to continuously update individual skills and knowledge to remain effective and competitive, especially in leadership roles. GSSGC is the premier leader on the development of girls. We are focused on further imbedding ourselves in the community through a wide range various of partnerships. Leadership development is critical to maintain relevancy in today’s evolving society. Leadership provides a social process that involves influencing others in positive ways. With a diverse team present at GSSGC, a systemic development of effective leaders will contribute to long-term organizational success and stability. Rapid changes have taken place in recent years from technology, individual beliefs, and attitudes, and increasing environmental concerns. Improved leadership skills will help foster the innovation needed to continue adapting to meet the needs of a rapidly changing environment.  

Cynthia has long standing relationship with prominent figures throughout our communities served that helps keep her abreast of current trends and needs of the girls in our community. She actively participates in panels with nonprofit Women's United, attends State of education addresses, workforce development conversations and local community event where she can engage our population served directly. Cynthia is not only present but and incredible thought partner on how to engage the industries in our area to further scale programming. Her connections have resulted in a diverse board that includes individuals from the rural and suburban and urban areas of our region while taking into account the need for diversity in thought, experience, ethnicity and more. This has rippled to create a board and staff that are representative of the community we serve. She is boots on the ground leadership, making sure we remain a relevant force for girls in our area. 

GSSGC has a robust, proven curricula, trained staff for girls in grades K through 12, years of programming experience, and a shared enthusiasm amongst our partners to make an impact for girls everywhere. GSSGC differs from other organizations with our over 3,000 -person strong volunteer legion. We accept adult volunteers of all types and ages in many different capacities. All volunteers are vetted, background checked, and if in contact with the girls for a certain length of time in a year are also fingerprinted. We have successfully leveraged multiple sources of support. When carrying out our program we utilize individual, business, and educational partnerships to bring together a well-rounded experience. A primary component of all STEM badge programming is that it is girl-led with adults supplementing the experience. Our program empowers girls to test their own ideas and produce their own solutions. Another method is utilizing hands-on and work-based learning experiences. Girl Scouts has The National Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) that delivers data-driven insights across the Girl Scout Movement and beyond. The GSRI measures the impact of Girl Scouting and conducts original research on girls’ leadership, healthy development, and well-being. The institute has reported “learning by doing” is more effective than abstract thinking or concept memorization. Hands-on, work-based learning experiences supplement academic learning as girls get to see, feel, and experience the various STEM careers available. To summarize, we utilize our resources to provide:

STEM Badge Curriculum

Female Connection/Role Models

College/Workplace excursions

Hands-on activities

STEM Industry panels

STEM focused camps in areas like cybersecurity and animatronics

Our program gives girls the training, mentoring, and hands-on experiences to help them understand the value of STEM to society and the options for their own related career paths. Activities reflect attitudes, skills, and behaviors that are consistent with the priorities of the larger youth STEM out-of-school time education community and important to long-term STEM engagement and careers. Having girls engaged in different ways through multiple activities further increases girls’ understanding of the value of STEM to society. Specific intended outcomes include an increase in:

STEM Interest: Girls are excited about STEM subjects and want to learn more.

STEM Confidence: Girls have confidence in their STEM skills and abilities.

STEM Competence: Girls think scientifically to solve problems.

STEM Value: Girls understand the importance and relevance of STEM.

In our own community we will see an increase in girls interested in pursuing STEM careers. Additionally, girls will gain a multitude of job critical skills, participate in subject specific topics, and develop a more equitable perception of the relative abilities of men and women in STEM. 

GSSGC measures the effectiveness of its program and delivered experiences through formal and informal evaluations. We will continue to measure program impact through Qualtrics, a survey tool that is used at the conclusion of activities and events. The survey tool gauges participant knowledge, attitude, values, and confidence relative to the educational topic covered by the program activity. Girls select answers on a Likert scale to a series of topic-related statements based on the identified needs of girl exposure to STEM-based concepts.

A girl recently gave live testimony at our staff winter celebration stating, “Girl Scouts is specifically designed to cater towards young women unlike any other program. The organization understands our needs and that we need to get out into the world to discover things for ourselves. There are a multitude of ways Girl Scouts had impacted my life but the top three involves STEM, leadership, and teamwork.”

• 95% of girls will agree the program increased their interest in STEM-related and non-traditional female career paths. They agree that seeing women in these career fields make them feel more attainable.
• 91% of girls will agree that their program participation allowed them to improve upon at least one skill.

• 96% of girls will agree they have a better understanding of how career choice impacts lifestyle.
• 87% of girls will be introduced to STEM careers they had never previously considered.
• 75% of girls will learn a significant new environmental science career pathway.
• 80% of girls who attended cyber camp strongly agree that they are more interested in pursuing cybersecurity.

The program continues to align with San Bernardino County’s Cradle to Career roadmap by helping girls connect math and science proficiency to their career interests. This includes providing activities that align with Riverside and San Bernardino County schools’ Career Technical Education programs. This was originally developed by a special task force of community members that stated our workforce pipeline needs and how educators and nonprofits can better prepare the next generation. The goal is to cultivate girl interest in STEM and nontraditional female career fields by the time they enter high school so girls can prepare to take career-specific pathways offered by the schools in areas such as engineering and cyber security. High School Career pathways offer innovative opportunities in both education and real-world work experience, seeking to build connections between peers, colleges, and local businesses. Our approach helps girls make strategic choices in their high school education and part-time employment, which provides a foundation for future success and creates a diverse pipeline of relevant talent to meet industry demand and help grow local businesses.

Our solution has several different tech-based components utilized in different capacities throughout the program. For example, drones are utilized at our cybersecurity camp to teach girls how to work drones remotely. Girls engage with respiratory machines during our Allied Health Day focusing on STEM careers in the medical field. Southwest Airlines works remotely with girls on computers in creating layers of security, password creation, encryption/decryption, and incident responses. 

Full Time Staff:  52

Part time Staff: 4

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion constant contractor: 1

1912- Girl Scout Leadership creation with STEM leadership badges

2016- STEM focus components with community

2018-Environmental Sciences component

We understand that diversity within our community creates opportunity for success. For our programming to be successful our coordinators and mentors need to be able to relate to the girls we serve. Diversity has always been a factor in our staff and board composition and in many cases these members start out as community volunteers. Our organization’s demographic makeup has only grown more diverse over the years and continues to bring in new individuals from unique walks of life.

We continue to pursue DEI efforts as an organization alongside our external consultant Nicole Anderson and Associates Consulting, LLC. With her assistance, our DEI subcommittee and task force continue gathering relevant information and creating change. After our girl listening sessions to hear live testimony on their experiences, we created a survey that recently went out to parents and volunteers to gain their perspective. These surveys were created by staff, board members, and key volunteers both in English and Spanish. In addition, we have begun teaching troop leaders how DEI is already embedded in our badge programming and how to recognize and uplift those components to create a more inclusive environment. This is a long journey, and we are not done yet, our board just had another training on microaggressions, and staff completed theirs this past April.

Representation matters and we achieve this representation by constantly engaging with our vast network and providing different opportunities for them to connect with our organization, programming, and of course the girls we serve. Being embedded in the community allows us to interact with different populations in different capacities. With the variety of programs we possess, we attract those with varying interests while all having the common goal to empower girls and young women. Bringing together different groups for a common purpose creates many opportunities when recruiting for staff and our board. Our board, who additionally leads the charge for DEI work, is comprised of a diverse group with almost 50% of its members being of color and 80% representing women. Our staff and volunteer base shows the same diversity, giving the girls we serve relatable female role models within our own organization.

We have continued to expand our services to underserved populations with more inclusive programming.  For example, we have recently received funds from the Inland Regional Center in partnership with the Department of Development Services to help be community connectors for girls with physical and behavioral disabilities. Expanding our services in such a manner allows us to build relationships with new community leaders, making bringing diversity to our board, staff, and volunteers a more natural process.

Girl Scout troops are located throughout both San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Services and programming take place in homes, scout houses, schools, colleges, universities, community centers, and worksite locations. Additional programming occurs in each of our five service centers and three camp locations.

Our methods offer a variety of age-appropriate activities that incorporate cooperative hands-on learning experiences in a girl-led environment. Girls learn and grow in a safe, all-girl environment, which helps them discover themselves and their values, try new things, connect with others to create positive relationships, and act in their communities on issues they’re passionate about. Another notable variation in our program structure is our up to twelve-year peer mentorship program component. Girls are connected to individuals in fields of interest to help establish a robust network in the community.

These efforts simultaneously address the community need of filling the workforce pipeline with qualified workers with both the skillset and emotional stability needed for long-term success. Consider, more than 33% of Inland Empire residents have a High School Diploma or less, and a portion of the 66.9% with a diploma do not have an associate degree, creating a qualifications gap. By proving these opportunities, GSSGC is greatly positioned to fill current school district needs in partnering for their new expanded learning curriculum. 

GSSGC utilizes a comprehensive fund development strategy that ensures the organization's sustainability through corporate and foundation grants, individual giving, entrepreneurial program sales (Cookie Sale), merchandise sales, event sponsorship, alumnae engagement, and revenue from our three camp locations. The organization guarantees a steady stream of funding by diversifying financial support through long-term strategic planning and execution. What separates us from other nonprofits and Girl Scout Councils in our area is we have additionally worked to make our Skyland Ranch program location a self-sustainable resource for the schools to engage in outdoor and environmental science programming. This brings in additional revenue throughout the entire school year as opposed to just summer camp.

Our recent expansion and growth since the Covid-19 pandemic provide great examples to our plan to achieve financial sustainability has succeeded. This includes:

• Twenty-two regular part-time and full-time staff members have been hired.
• Each of our five regional service center office reopened during regular office hours, and maintained consistent shop hours, increasing customer service and staff availability.
• We have completed a capital campaign for a new, gender-neutral Wishaven restroom at our Skyland Ranch camp location.
• A number of improvements have been made at several of our camp properties.
• The 2022 cookie sale was a success even with limited opportunities for booths sales in front of stores. Amazingly, the sales achieved a gross unaudited total of over $9.5 million -- exceeding anticipated income by more than $500,000.