AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri proudly introduces AdvanceHER™, a groundbreaking leadership initiative designed to equip girls with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to thrive in today’s world. Rooted in a holistic approach, the program immerses Girl Scouts in transformative experiences that focus on social-emotional well-being, college preparedness, and career exploration.

AdvanceHER™ is more than a program—it’s a movement. One that champions every girl’s potential and fuels her persistence toward lifelong success. By investing in girls today, we are cultivating the changemakers, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow.

Our Scholarship Partners

Meet Missouri State’s admission standards and enroll as a full-time student the same year they complete high school
$2,000 annual renewable scholarship for GSEM members who have not received another MSU scholarship of equal or great value
Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher
Scholarship will apply before the MoState Access Award for Pell-eligible students
Available to GSEM staff and adult volunteers who have been an active GSEM member for at least two (2) years

Learn more about offerings through MSU

Meet SLU’s admission standards and enroll as a full-time student the same year they complete high school
Receive a minimum $30,000 renewable scholarship upon enrollment at SLU
Maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA or higher

Learn more about offerings through SLU

*This opportunity starts in fall 2026.

Meet SEMO’s admission standards and enroll as a full-time student
$1,000 to $2,000 annual scholarship award that is a renewable stackable award with other institutional merit aid for students with full-time enrollment
Completion of the SEMO Educational Access Program contracted requirements each year

Learn more about offerings through SEMO

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Meet SIUE’s admission requirements
$2,500 for GSEM members who enroll at SIUE. This scholarship is stackable and renewable.
Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher

Learn more about offerings through SIUE

Meet Stephens College admission requirements
Enroll full-time and live on campus
Complete 30 credit hours annually
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for scholarship renewal

Learn more about offerings through SC

Meet STLCC’s admission requirements
Maintain full-time status (minimum of 24 credit hours per year)
Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher
Available to GSEM staff and adult volunteers

Learn more about offerings through STLCC

Meet UMSL’s admission standards and enroll as a full-time student the same year they complete high school
$5,250 annual renewable scholarship
UMSL will also offer last dollar scholarship awards to Girl Scouts who have received a GSEM Changemaker Scholarship or the GSUSA Gold Award.
Available for GSEM staff

Learn more about offerings through UMSL

Upcoming AdvanceHER™ Programs toggle arrow

 Espresso Your Future at Picasso Coffee Shop

Grades:  Seniors and Ambassadors  | 9th-12th
Date: November 22, 2026  
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: 1650 Beale St. St. Charles, MO 63303
Price: $12

For girls in grades 9th-12th. Come grab a hot drink, enjoy some treats, and join us for an intimate conversation about life after high school! Connect with young professionals from diverse backgrounds and career pathways. Join us to connect over personal storytelling, learn tips for discovering your own path, and get answers to your questions about building your future. Your next chapter starts here—let’s espresso about your future together!

 Espresso Your Future at Cove Coffee Shop

Grades:  Seniors and Ambassadors  | 9th-12th
Date:  January 16, 2027
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location:  6060 Telegraph Rd. St. Louis, MO 63129
Price:  $12

For girls in grades 9th -12th. Come grab a hot drink, enjoy some treats, and join us for an intimate conversation about life after high school! Connect with young professionals from diverse backgrounds and career pathways. Join us to connect over personal storytelling, learn tips for discovering your own path, and get answers to your questions about building your future. Your next chapter starts here—let’s espresso about your future together!

Espresso Your Future at La Joy’s Coffee Shop

Grades:  Seniors and Ambassadors  | 9th-12th
Date: February 6, 2027
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location:  8909 Lackland Rd. Overland, MO 63114
Price: $12 

For girls in grades 9th -12th. Come grab a hot drink, enjoy some treats, and join us for an intimate conversation about life after high school! Connect with young professionals from diverse backgrounds and career pathways. Join us to connect over personal storytelling, learn tips for discovering your own path, and get answers to your questions about building your future. Your next chapter starts here—let’s espresso about your future together!

AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program College Tours toggle arrow

Girl Scouts can jump start their college exploration and join the AdvanceHER™ team as we visit our partner institutions!

During each visit, Girl Scouts in grades 9-12 will explore campus, learn about the admission process, and receive information about our GSEM scholarship opportunities. These tours were developed especially for eastern Missouri Girl Scouts!

SIUE Preview Day

Grades: Seniors and Ambassadors | 9th –12th
Date: November 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 am –2:00 pm
Location: Berges Family Girl Scout Program Center
Price: $25

We're crossing the river to Edwardsville Illinois to participate in Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville’s (SIUE) Spring Preview Day. This showcase will provide girls with an opportunity to explore SIUE’s campus, learn about degree programs, and more. Price includes transportation and lunch.

 SEMO Show Me Day 

Grades: Seniors and Ambassadors | 9th-12th 
Date: April 9, 2027 
Location: Cape Girardeau, MO 
Price:  $12
Registration Deadline: March 26, 2027

For girls in grades 9th -12th. Join us as we travel to Cape Girardeau, Missouri for SEMO's Spring Show Me SEMO Admissions Showcase!    Programming will include campus tours, campus lunch, and the opportunity to learn about SEMO academic departments, campus involvement, student life, and more through a variety of breakout sessions. Transportation will be provided! 

Community Resources and Events toggle arrow

Please check back for upcoming community events and opportunities.

GSEM Scholarships toggle arrow

Dessert First Changemaker Scholarship

At this special event, we celebrate the leadership and service of outstanding Girl Scouts and award two Changemaker Scholarships of $5,000 to be used for higher education. Scholarship recipients must have earned their Gold Award, the highest recognition available to Girl Scouts.

For more information please contact Brandi Higgins at bhiggins@girlscoutsem.org.