New Missouri State Scholarship Helps Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Members Pursue Higher Education
April 09, 2024
St. Louis, MO, April 9, 2024 –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 President Clif Smart said the partnership between the university and scouting organization supports the university’s public affairs mission.
“We share a mission to help all students be successful in life. We believe access to a college education is part of what makes that possible,” Smart said.
“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.
