How many Girl Scout cookies would you have to sell to raise more than $300,000 for your troop?
Probably too many too count, but luckily for the organization, it won’t have to do that. That’s because Congressmember Carolyn Maloney secured a $305,875 grant for the Girl Scouts of the USA’s Financial Literacy Program to create a comprehensive initiative that will help girls better manage their finances.
“The Girl Scouts are an extraordinarily effective and inspirational organization that was founded to give girls an opportunity to develop self-reliance and resourcefulness,” said the Queens and Manhattan Congressmember, who recently made the announcement at her Astoria district office. “In today’s world, we understand that one of the most important skills girls can learn is financial self-reliance.”
At the announcement, Maloney was joined by Denise Pesich, vice president for communications of the Girls Scouts of the USA (GSUSA); Pat Stensrud, chair of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York; and area Girl Scout leaders and members from Troops 4192, 4566 and 4567 in western Queens.
With the funding from Maloney, the Girl Scouts plan to immediately utilize cutting-edge technologies, digital enhancements and other online tools to develop girls’ financial literacy.
Meanwhile, there are also plans to create a nation-wide network of mentors, coaches, guides and experts who serve as role-models for girls and help them “learn by doing.” In addition, DVDs, training modules and other tools for parents, leaders, and other volunteers are also in the works.
“Congresswoman Maloney recognizes that being financially savvy is one of the important areas for girls on the road to success,” said Kathy Cloninger, chief executive officer, GSUSA. “By supporting Girl Scouts’ financial literacy and entrepreneurial efforts, she’s empowering the next generation of young leaders.”
