Almost 3,000 Girl Scouts Honored for Significant Contributions to Mental Wellness and STEM Initiatives

Nearly 3,000 Gold Award Girl Scouts Honored for Significant Contributions to Mental Wellness and STEM Initiatives

The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) proudly recognized its 2025 Gold Award Girl Scout Class, highlighting the remarkable achievements of nearly 3,000 young women who have dedicated their time and efforts to address vital issues within their communities. These Girl Scouts have collectively volunteered over 287,000 hours and raised more than $2 million, showcasing their unwavering commitment to making impactful changes.

The Gold Award: A Distinction of Excellence

The Gold Award represents the highest honor in the Girl Scouts program and provides girls with a unique opportunity to explore their passions and tackle challenges head-on. This prestigious award empowers the girls to become change-makers, helping them identify pressing matters in their communities and implement sustainable solutions. From mental wellness to STEM initiatives, the 2025 Gold Award Class has demonstrated their desire to lead and inspire others by effecting meaningful change.

According to GSUSA CEO Bonnie Barczykowski, “The 2025 Gold Award Class clearly demonstrates what it means to drive lasting change in communities. Gold Award Girl Scouts harness the skills they've developed throughout their Girl Scout journey and prove that impactful change starts with individual action.”

Projects with Purpose

This year’s class tackled a wide array of civic-minded projects, focusing on themes such as mental wellness, sustainability practices, and advancements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Their contributions took various forms, including community outreach programs, educational workshops, and innovative advocacy efforts aimed at fostering a healthier and more informed society. Each project represented the girls' passions, contributing significantly to their respective communities and aiming to create long-lasting positive outcomes.

To earn the Gold Award, Girl Scouts must show immense dedication by completing a project that requires at least 80 hours of work, addressing a deep-rooted issue that bears national or global relevance. They engage in thorough research, recruit volunteer teammates, and devise a comprehensive plan to see their vision come to life. The process fosters leadership skills like project management, community mobilization, budgeting, and problem-solving that are crucial for their personal growth.

Leadership Development and Future Opportunities

In addition to positively impacting their communities, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain valuable experiences that bolster their college applications and career prospects. Moreover, the scholarship opportunities offered to these exemplary individuals add further incentive; this year, GSUSA awarded scholarships to 110 outstanding Gold Award girls thanks to generous contributions from partners such as DHL Supply Chain and the Kappa Delta Foundation. The recognition gained from earning the Gold Award provides girls with better enlistment options and increased pay grades should they join the military in the future.

This year’s awards not only spotlight the achievements of nearly 3,000 girls but also serve as an inspiring reminder of the power and potential of youth-led initiatives. Their journeys reveal the courage and diligence required to spark change and promote sustainable solutions to society's most pressing issues.

Indeed, through these local efforts, the Girl Scouts embody the spirit of social responsibility and community service, inspiring others to join their ranks. By demonstrating their prowess as future leaders capable of influencing important topics, these young women exemplify the essence of what it means to earn the Gold Award.

Get Involved and Join the Movement

To discover how Gold Award Girl Scouts are making a significant difference in communities across the nation, visit girlscouts.org/goldawardclass. Whether you are interested in volunteering, reconnecting with your local troop, or donating to support future projects, there are numerous opportunities to get involved. The Girl Scouts Movement continues to encourage young girls from all backgrounds to dream big, strive for their goals, and work collaboratively to create a better world for themselves and future generations.