In 2021, GSUSA conducted research that took a closer look at Generation Z. Their findings indicated:
- 68% of girls plan to go to college.
- Gen Z is the most entrepreneurial generation.
- 3 out of 4 teen girls worry about failing.
- More than half of teen girls feel pressure to be perfect.
- Physical appearance and popularity continue to be a source of stress.
- Rates of depression and anxiety are rising.
How can Girl Scouts help? Let’s look at the advantages of earning Girl Scout Highest Awards through a real-life lens.
68% of girls plan to go to college. Girl Scout Highest Awards encompass skills needed for life—time management, working with others, leading a team, setting goals, and organizational skills.
Gen Z is the most entrepreneurial generation. Girl Scout Highest Awards involves budgeting, marketing an idea or product, completing tasks, and reaching goals.
3 out of 4 teen girls worry about failing. Girl Scout Highest Awards allow for life skills to be explored in a safe, supportive environment.
More than half of teen girls feel pressure to feel perfect. Experience with Highest Award projects is learning that not everything you plan or do is perfect. There will be obstacles, and some things won’t go as planned, but Girl Scouts learn how to get back up. This is also why Girl Scouts stress the importance of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience programming and reflection.
Physical appearance and popularity continue to be a source of stress. Pursuing a Girl Scout Highest Award can have a positive impact on a Girl Scout’s development and prove self-identity and accomplishment. Giving of time, money, or energy to help others doesn’t just make the world better—it also makes the giver better! Studies indicate that the very act of giving back to the community boosts happiness, health, and a sense of well-being.
Rates of depression and anxiety are rising. Although a multi-faceted crisis, staying connected with a Highest Award team or focusing on completing a Highest Award project can help to keep the mind focused on a place of doing good and helping others.
Want to know more about the Girl Scout Highest Awards of Bronze, Silver, or Gold? Register for our upcoming Highest Award events:
Register by September 9:
- Build Up to Bronze-Girl-September 24, 2022
- Build Up to Bronze-Adult-September 24, 2022
- Striving for Silver-Girl-September 24, 2022
- Striving for Silver-Adult-September 24, 2022
- Gearing Up to Go Gold-Girl-September 24, 2022
- Gearing Up to Go Gold-Adult-September 24, 2022
(NOTE: Attendance at these event does not replace required online Gold Award training.)
Register by September 15:
Watch GSNI’s Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award pages for new resources coming soon!
