The following is one of the proposals set to be presented at the 2020 National Council Session:
Originated by Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana
Proposal
THAT the National Council establish a task group overseen by GSUSA and 2 council representatives, that includes volunteers, council staff, GSUSA Board members, and GSUSA representatives, charged with examining the feasibility of developing a college scholarship foundation to benefit Gold Award Girl Scouts. The task group will report back on the feasibility, recommendation and timeline for potential establishment of the foundation by the 2023 National Council Session. All members of this task force shall be appointed by the GSUSA Board of Directors.
Rationale Submitted by Originating Council
When the list of available scholarships dedicated to Gold Award Girl Scouts is examined, there are VERY few scholarship opportunities offered nationwide, no matter what college or university a recipient is attending. There are some local councils that have college scholarship opportunities for young women in their jurisdiction who have attained the Gold Award, but these are usually very limited in the number of recipients and the amount of financial help awarded. Certain colleges and universities offer scholarships to Gold Award Girl Scouts, but again, these are small in number and in the amount of financial assistance. When investigating the scholarships available to our male counterparts, the National Eagle Scout Association has a plethora of scholarships for the young men to access. As a national organization, we can do better for our Gold Award Girl Scouts. By establishing a task force to examine the feasibility of establishing a National Gold Award Scholarship Foundation which has the sole purpose of funding and awarding college scholarships to Gold Award Girl Scouts, we would be sending the message that we value what our girls have already accomplished AND that we are committed to helping them attain their future goals. If as a National Council we are thoughtful in how this scholarship foundation is created and funded, we would be able to offer a significant number of college scholarships to some of the brightest and most dedicated young women in the country. By establishing a task force to examine the feasibility of establishing a National Gold Award Scholarship Foundation to benefit Gold Award Girl Scouts, we would truly be upholding our mission to make the world a better place.
Financial Impact Statement Submitted by Originating Council
At the onset of establishing a task force to examine the feasibility of establishing a National Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship Foundation, GSUSA would have the responsibility of providing the funding to support the work of the task group. Following the report back on the feasibility, recommendation and timeline for potential establishment of the foundation by the 2023 National Council Session, the foundation would seek out donors and develop other means to fund the foundation.
Recommendation of the National Board
The board recommends adoption of this proposal.
Reason for the National Board’s Recommendation
Promoting the Gold Award and ensuring that Gold Award Girl Scouts obtain every benefit possible for this highest achievement is important. GSUSA and councils continue to work to elevate this honor. GSUSA has developed and distributed public service announcements about the impact that Gold Award Girl Scouts have on the world, and Gold Award Girl Scouts and their achievements are highlighted locally through recognition events, fundraising opportunities, and awards. GSUSA also has obtained funding from generous donors to enable it to award scholarships to ten National Gold Award Girl Scouts each year.
If the National Council believes there is interest in establishing a Gold Award foundation, it is important to create a task force to examine the feasibility of such a foundation. The NCS Advisory Team supports the creation of this task force. There are many considerations in creating a national foundation for Gold Award scholarships. For example, significant funding would be required for a successful foundation and the source of that funding must be determined, as well as the time and resources it would take to raise such funding. The task force would also analyze the legal, tax, and financial aspects of establishing a foundation, as well as a plan for the structure and oversight of this foundation. A task force can thoughtfully work through these matters to assess whether a foundation is appropriate, and, if recommended, develop a proposed plan that would be best for the Movement.