STEM RESEARCH
The Digital Future is Girl Women in the United States have made great strides into the work force, yet continue to be underrepresented in the technology field. At Girl Scouts, we are developing digital leaders. Support for Girl Scouts is crucial because in a few years, these girls will be women trying to make their mark in a field highly dominated my men. Their tech talent and knowledge won’t be enough, they will have to be able to speak up, be confident and show their innovating skills that Girl Scouts helped develop. “In Girl Scouts, our daughters become leaders. They get exposed and encouraged to explore technology and gain skills for careers that haven’t been created yet,” – Kathryn Hoelscher, mom, Girl Scout Troop 317. Girl Scouts introduces girls to technology through simple and fun activities like coding, robotics and programming. “It’s not like before, when women were expected to be mothers and teachers,” Hoelscher said.
You might be asking yourself, how are girls making the world a better place? Seventy-two percent of Girl Scouts surveyed are connecting to social issues and causes in digital platforms. Compared to 62% of non-Girl Scout girls and 59% of boys. Additionally, 55% of Girl Scouts are using technology to help, inform and make a difference in social issues or causes they are passionate about, compared to 41% of non-Girl Scout girls and 38% of boys.
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
3
In Girl Scouts, girls can become whatever they dream of. Girls can build a robot or an application that saves lives. Girl Scouts are paving the way, they are confident in their tech skills and using technology to discover new talents and interests. A recent study conducted by the national Girl Scout Research Institute, Decoding the Digital Girl: Defining and Supporting Girl’s Digital Leadership, surveyed girls (including Girl Scouts) and boys ages 5-17 to better understand the digital experiences of girls and their use of technology. The research shows that girls are making the world a better place by getting empowered in the digital space. Daily, Girl Scouts are taking action and getting involved on issues that affect communities. Allison Hertz, a Girl Scout member for 11 years, worked with East Central and La Vernia independent school districts to launch a website that provides students with techniques on how to respond to bullying and ask for help. Allison’s timely response to the current bullying climate and integration of technology to reach generation Z students earned her the Girl Scout Gold Award. The Gold Award is the most prestigious award in the world for girls. It recognizes girls in grades 9-12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through remarkable projects that have sustainable impact in the community and beyond.
Gold Award Girl Scout Helen Hunter is another example of how Girl Scouts are making the world a better place by using technology. She hosted a 5K run and 1-mile fun run for the Alamo Heights area and created the website, Wild for Our Worth. The website focuses on healthy eating, exercise and self-esteem. Through their projects and activities, Girl Scouts are tackling issues important to them and inspiring others to learn more and join the cause. Sixty-three percent of Girl Scouts are connecting others such as friends and family to social issues or causes, compared to 37% of non-Girl Scouts and 44% of boys. Girl Scouts stand out and are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to be digital leaders and be interested in tech as a future career. Leadership in the digital space is more than technological expertise and knowledge. Digital leadership is far-reaching, is about taking that knowledge and creating something to improve lives and the world just like Gold Award Girl Scouts Allison and Helen.
Supporting Girl’s Digital Leadership Technology is everywhere, and although boys are more likely than girls to believe they are the digital/tech experts in their families, girls are embracing technology and engaging in educational activities online.
Did you know? Gold Award Girl Scouts
have a competitive edge in the college admissions process and are eligible for scholarships.
4
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
PLAYING GAMES FOR LEARNING PURPOSES
55% GIRLS
41% BOYS
READING BOOKS AND ARTICLES
40% GIRLS
28% BOYS
Girl Scouts exposes girls to different tech pathways, programming and women professionals to provide an accurate representation of the current tech environment. As a result, 64% of Girl Scouts are more likely to be digital leaders versus 43% of non-Girl Scout girls. They are also more likely than non–Girl Scout girls to be interested in specific tech skills, such as app development, web design, robotics, programming, coding, cybersecurity and engineering.
GIRLS’ TECH CAREER INTEREST
50% 44% 55% 38% AGES 5-7
AGES 8-10
AGES 11-13
AGES 14-17
The research indicates that girls show the most interest in tech careers in middle school (see chart). It is important that parents and caregivers look for ways to maintain a girl’s interest in tech early in high school. Girl Scouts can help you. They provide girls of all ages (grades K-12) with multiple opportunities and support to keep them engaged in tech.
TECH CAREER INTEREST
Population = 11 to 17-year-olds Girl Scout Research Institute. (2019). Decoding the Digital Girl: Defining and Supporting Girl’s Digital Leadership.
How Can I Support a Girl’s Digital Leadership? 1. Have a positive outlook on technology 2. Talk to girls about technology and news
66% of girls who are digital leaders have parents and caregivers who talk with them about the positive aspects of technology.
3. Be aware of your daughter’s tech use 4. Ask questions about their online activity
53% of girls who are digital leaders share details about their online activity with their parents/caregivers vs. 36% of other girls.
5. Teach her to regulate her own screen time 6. Provide her with access to technology such as smart devices Girls with limited tech access to devices other than a smart phone, such as tablets, laptops or desktops at home are two times more likely to be missing out on educational activities online compared to girls who have greater exposure.
7. Treat girls and boys as equally capable when it comes to technology. Parents and caregivers should make sure rules for tech are the same for daughters and sons. Gender-based attitudes about tech skills, abilities and digital potential can compromise girls’ growth and exploration in the digital space. A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
5
6
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
Special thanks to our members of Juliette’s Circle, who show their heartfelt support through their individual gifts to Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. By making an investment in girls, members of Juliette’s Circle demonstrate passion for our mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. We know that when girls succeed, so does society.
We invite you to become a member of Juliette’s Circle because without you, our circle is not complete. To join, call 210-349-2404 ext. 223 or email development@girlscouts-swtx.org
Members of Juliette’s Circle
8
Karen Baen
Elizabeth Friedman
Jessica Mobley
Carri Baker
Lisa A. Fullerton
Jennifer Moriarty
Sarah Baray
Monica Gonzalez
Susan L. Pamerleau, Maj. Gen. USAF (Ret)
Nelwyn Simes Belt
Jackie L. Gorman
Anne Parrish
Leah R. Bennett
Suzanne Goudge
Janet Pedrotti
Yonnie Blanchette
Mimi Gourley
Suzanne Peterson
Donna Brady
Roger Graham
Stacie M. Prier
Mary Rose Brown
Carrie Gray
Rebecca Puryear-Jennings
Jelynne LeBlanc Burley
Barbara A.F. Greene
Linda A. Ramon
Laura E. Burt
Christine Grogan
Cathy Ritter
Ella Carrasco
Sondra L. Grohman
Hon. Sylvia S. Romo
Haley C. Carter
Teri M. Grubb
Maj. Gen. Angie Salinas, USMC (Ret)
Cece Cheever
Beth Hair
Sandra Schlortt
Jean Cheever
Harriet Marmon Helmle
Sharon Jones Schweitzer
Joan Cheever
Mary Henrich
Andrea Seal
Nancy & Charlie Cheever
Jody Shaw Hernandez
Marsha M. Shields
Regina Cheever
Priscilla Hill-Ardoin
Blythe Simonson
Deena Clausen
Mary Hime
Barney Smith
Kelly Colotla
Janet Holliday
Cariño Cortez
Susan Hough
Cecilia M. Smith
Stephanie Finleon Cortez
Janet Irwine
Jocelyn L. Straus
Chris B. Crane
Gwendolyn Jaramillo
Rita Sutton
Luis de la Garza
Dr. Arcelia M. Johnson-Fannin
Marlene M. Teal
Yolanda Delgado
Katie McKinney Jones
Diane M. Theiss
Patricia Diaz Dennis
Hon. Yvonne Katz, Ed. D.
Cheryl Thorpe
Lisa Drozdick
Estella Reyna Kierce
Jill Torbert
Dr. Veronica Muzquiz Edwards
Jan King
Annie Uribe Turner
Peggy Eighmy
Wendy Kowalik
Jay Uribe
Jan McCaleb Elliott
Rosemary Kowalski
Laura J. Vaccaro
Kelly Faglie
Pam Landry
Suzanne Wade
Sandy Finleon
Lori Johnson Leal
Lynn Weirich
Gretcha Flinn
Madelon Yanta Leone
Teri L. Wenglein
Leah D. Flores
Jane H. Macon
Linda Whitacre
(in honor of Wilma Ciabattoni)
Ramon Flores
Christina Markell-Balleza
Dr. Sandi J. Wolff
Lisa D. Fox
Nancy F. May
Jeanie Wyatt
Jeannie Frazier
Charline H. McCombs
Judge Renée Yanta
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
List includes current Juliette's Circle members as of February 1, 2019.
Making a world of difference:
Business Patch Partners The future workforce is full of infinite possibilities, but we need more businesses — large and small — to take a vested interest in advancing female leadership today. With a combined contribution of $245,000 to Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, CPS Energy, H-E-B, Shining Star ENERGY, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, The Tobin Endowment, Valero Energy Foundation and Wells Fargo have taken the lead in supporting innovative patch programs for each company’s area of expertise. CPS Energy Through CPS Energy’s Environmental Awareness initiative, girls learn about the importance of protecting our planet, conserving energy and how to be good environmental stewards. *Did you know: For girls ages 11-12, 73% reported improving the world around them as their favorite activity (e.g. activities related to the environment or helping others.) H-E-B Girl Scouts recognizes that physical health, emotional health and self-esteem are connected. H-E-B’s Health and Wellness initiative promotes a balanced view of body image and develops skills to keep girls’ bodies healthy. *Did you know: Over the past 25 years, the percentage of overweight girls has more than doubled. Thirty-one percent of girls admit to starving themselves or refusing to eat as a strategy to lose weight. Shining Star ENERGY Fifty percent of women in business are Girl Scout alums, so it’s clear our approach is working. Through Shining Star ENERGY's I Am. I Can. Watch Me. Entrepreneurship initiative, Girl Scouts learn about the fundamental dynamics of business, the scope of planning and how to prepare for an enterprising future. *Did you know: 30% of all businesses in the U.S. are owned by women and 80% percent of female entrepreneurs were once Girl Scouts. Texas A&M University-San Antonio The Texas A&M University-San Antonio Embracing Patriotism initiative provides girls with deeper understanding of patriotism or national pride, which is the ideology of love and devotion to a homeland, and a sense of alliance with other citizens who share the same values. *Did you know: Gold Award Girl Scouts enter the military one rank higher than their peers and 58% of women in the 116th U.S. Congress are Girl Scout alums. The Tobin Endowment Through the encouragement of artistic expression, girls improve their self-esteem, feel motivated to explore new interests and may even develop new talents in music, dance or visual arts. *Did you know: Girls who study art are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and three times more likely to be awarded for school attendance. Valero Energy Foundation Whether they’re building robots, learning the mechanics of a car’s engine or creating a chemical reaction, girls are unlocking unexpected talents through Valero Energy Foundation’s STEM initiative. *Did you know: When today’s girls graduate from college, America will need 3 million more scientists and engineers. However, girls tend to leave science to boys as early as the 5th grade. Wells Fargo Wells Fargo’s Financial Literacy initiative provides girls the resources and knowledge to set fiscal goals and become financially accountable when earning and managing money. *Did you know: Women-owned funds significantly outperform funds in general, even during tough economic times. Yet women managed only 3% of hedge funds and 10% of mutual funds in the year leading to the 2008 recession.
10
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
11
Who We Are Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is dedicated solely to girls in grades K-12. For 107 years we have enabled girls to build character and skills for success. • Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low • More than 2.5 million members throughout the United States* • GSUSA is a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) • WAGGGS is a family of 10 million girls and adults in 150 countries * Including U.S. territories, and in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas.
TO VISIT OR CONTACT GSSWT Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center 811 N Coker Loop | San Antonio, TX 78216 Phone 210-349-2404 | 1-800-580-7247 Fax 210-349-2666 West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center 5622 W. César E. Chávez Blvd. | San Antonio, TX 78237 Phone 210-349-2404
How to Become a Girl Scout
Frequently asked Questions
• • •
Q: What happens after a girl becomes a Girl Scout? A: When a girl joins the organization, she becomes a Girl Scout member. All members may choose any one, all or some of the flexible pathways to participate in during a single year.
Be a girl in grades K-12 Accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law Pay national membership dues of $25 (financial assistance is available)
Call 210-349-2404/1-800-580-7247 or visit girlscouts-swtx.org/join to learn about Girl Scouts in your neighborhood! There are many ways to get involved with Girl Scouts: Camp. By day or overnight, she can explore nature on two wheels, by the light of the moon or through the lens of a camera. Events. Most girls have more than one passion — maybe storytelling and acting and dancing. Choose events centered on your daughter’s favorites. Series. Everything’s more fun when you’re sharing it with others who love the same things. Our series let girls explore interests together in a way that fits their schedules. Travel. Want your daughter to go places? Girl Scouts do. When they see and experience new things, it’s always an adventure they’ll never forget. Troop. Meeting regularly, girls can share amazing experiences, learn to make a difference in their community and have lots of fun! Girl Scout Grade Levels GSUSA program at all levels emphasizes development of personal values, appreciation of others, decision-making, leadership and service. Program is adapted for each grade level and for the needs and interests of individual girls. • • • • • •
Girl Scout Daisy—grades K-1 Girl Scout Brownie—grades 2-3 Girl Scout Junior—grades 4-5 Girl Scout Cadette—grades 6-8 Girl Scout Senior—grades 9-10 Girl Scout Ambassador—grades 11-12
Girl Scouts offers more choices and more reasons than ever to join. Get started today!
12
Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA to provide program in 21 counties. We are headquartered at the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center in north central San Antonio.
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
Q: How can I support my daughter’s Girl Scout journey? A: Parents/caregivers should be familiar with the flexible pathways your daughter can experience. Help her identify her interests and encourage her to participate in various activities. More information may be found at girlscouts-swtx.org. Q: Where do funds come from to pay for books, pins and awards? A: Through participation in product programs, such as the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program, which provides troops or individual girls with proceeds to help pay for books, earned awards or uniform pieces. Proceeds may also be used to pay for attendance at camp or to travel, as well as various activities offered by the council. Parents/caregivers of girls will often pay some of the costs. If a troop is newly formed, a troop leader may request a small amount from the caregivers to begin the program year. All these specific troop details should be discussed at the first parent’s meeting. Limited financial assistance for books, membership pins and uniform components is available. Q: Are uniforms required in Girl Scouting? A: Uniforms are not required but are encouraged for visibility and Girl Scout spirit. A girl is always welcome to participate in Girl Scouting whether or not she chooses to have a uniform. The Girl Scout Membership Pin can be worn with or without the uniform. Girls are encouraged to purchase a sash or vest on which to display earned awards and other official insignia. Financial assistance is available. Q: Is financial assistance available? A: Yes. GSSWT believes no girl should ever be denied the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts because of financial need. Funds are available to assist girls with council activities, membership dues, books, etc. Q: Who can be a Girl Scout volunteer? A: Anyone over the age of 18 and willing to accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law is welcome. Adults go through the following steps when applying to become Girl Scout volunteers: application with background check, appointment for one year, placement and required training. GSSWT offers adult learning opportunities online and in a live class format to provide volunteers with a solid foundation for guiding the leadership development of girls. Q: Who do I contact for information or help? A: Much information may be found online at girlscouts-swtx.org or call 210-349-2404/1-800-580-7247.
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
13
14
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION