ST. LOUIS, Mo. –Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Missouri State University to make postsecondary education more accessible to the organization’s more than 25,000 girl members from rural, urban, and suburban communities across eastern Missouri.
The new Missouri State University/Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri freshman scholarship is an annual renewable award of $2,000 and will apply after the MoState Access Award for Pell–eligible students.
To qualify for the scholarship, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri members must:
- Must be active members of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri for at least two years and during their junior and senior years of high school.
- Are in good standing and nominated by a troop leader or GSEM staff.
- Have not received another Missouri State scholarship of equal or greater value.
Nominees also must meet Missouri State’s admission standards and enroll as a full-time student the same year they complete high school.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is committed to providing promising students from under-resourced backgrounds with the academic enrichment, social support and life skills needed to succeed in college and careers, and this scholarship is an important component of the organization’s holistic support of all members. Since joining the organization last April, CEO Dr. Natissia Small has been focused on building a stronger foundation to better support Girl Scouts through education, mentorship, professional skill-building, socio-emotional support, and access to resources needed, like scholarships, to promote lifelong success.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with universities like Missouri State University to provide a new intentional support for girls throughout the 28 counties we serve in eastern Missouri,” said Dr. Natissia Small. “This historic higher educational partnership signifies our deliberate effort to eliminate barriers that can impede progress for all girls interested in seeking a post-secondary degree. Our unwavering commitment to cultivating future leaders, both today and tomorrow remains strong.”
“Missouri State University and Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri are united in our commitment to empower young women through education. With this scholarship, we’re not just funding their education; we’re investing in their future, their families and the communities they’ll impact,” said Dr. Ryan Reed, Missouri State’s director of access and success programs.
We’re Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscoutsem.org.