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Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and Stephens College Launch New Partnership Through AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program
May 18, 2026
St. Louis, MO, May 18, 2026 – Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) proudly announces a new partnership with Stephens College through the GSEM AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program, creating expanded pathways to higher education and leadership development for Girl Scouts and staff across eastern Missouri. This collaboration reflects a commitment to empowering young women through education, mentorship, and holistic student support designed to help them thrive both academically and personally.
At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief that every young woman deserves access to opportunity, guidance, and resources that help her to confidently pursue her future. Through this initiative, Stephens College and GSEM are investing in the next generation of leaders by creating meaningful pathways to higher education while fostering belonging, persistence, and degree attainment for Girl Scouts participating in the AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program.
The partnership provides comprehensive support for eligible GSEM students enrolling at Stephens College. Benefits include no application fee, dedicated admissions support, FAFSA and financial aid assistance, personalized campus visit opportunities, academic advising, and ongoing student success resources.
Stephens College will offer two scholarship opportunities exclusively for GSEM students. Eligible students may receive either a renewable $2,500 scholarship or compete for one of two renewable $5,000 Leadership Scholarships recognizing exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential. These scholarships may also be stacked with merit-based aid.
This partnership also extends opportunities to GSEM staff members pursuing undergraduate enrollment, reinforcing both organizations’ mutual commitment to leadership development and educational access at every level.
“We are not simply creating scholarship opportunities — we are building transformational pathways that empower girls to lead boldly, pursue higher education with confidence, and shape the future of their communities and beyond,” said Dr. Natissia Small, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. “As the seventh higher education partnership within our AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program, this collaboration with Stephens College represents the continued expansion of a powerful movement dedicated to access, leadership, and lifelong success for girls across eastern Missouri. Together, we are investing in the next generation of changemakers and ensuring they have the support, opportunity, and network to thrive at every stage of their journey.”
Stephens College leadership shared enthusiasm for the partnership and its shared commitment to expanding educational access, leadership development, and holistic support for young women pursuing their futures with confidence and purpose.
"At Stephens College, we've spent nearly two centuries proving what's possible when young women are met with belief, resources, and a community built around their success,” said Dr. Shannon B. Lundeen, Stephens College President. “This partnership with Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is a natural extension of that mission — and we see it as just the beginning. As we deepen this collaboration, we look forward to exploring how Stephens can serve Girl Scouts across the region and beyond, connecting girls who are already discovering their potential as leaders with a college ready to help them realize it fully.”
To qualify for the Stephens College scholarship opportunities, students must:
- 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
Beyond financial support, Stephens College provides student success services, including access to the Student Success Center, individualized academic advising, and ongoing mentorship to help students persist through graduation.
“We are excited to welcome Stephens College as a partner in the AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program,” said Dr. Natissia Small, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. “This partnership represents another important step in expanding opportunities for Girl Scouts to pursue higher education, leadership development, and lifelong success. Together, we are helping girls build confidence, explore their futures, and access the support systems that will empower them to lead in every stage of life.”
The AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program is an innovative initiative at Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri focused on preparing girls for college, career, and life through mentorship, scholarship access, workforce readiness, and leadership development opportunities. Through partnerships like this, GSEM continues to invest in the future of girls across eastern Missouri by creating clear pathways to achievement, belonging, and lifelong success. Learn more at girlscoutsem.org/advanceher.
