Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI) is honored to receive a Corporation for National and Community Service Federal grant for Project Opportunity, an AmeriCorps program developed by GSNI.
The program will be implemented throughout the organization’s service area. Project Opportunity is a youth development and education program for underserved girls. GSNI has been awarded over $160,000. By accepting the grant, GSNI has committed to providing a substantial program match with private and in-kind funds.
The organization previously received this grant in 2016 and 2017. Over 1000 girls have been helped in nine communities across Northern Illinois, in the program’s first two years. Girls completed Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) programming on topics including healthy relationships in “Be a Friend, Not a Bully” and “Be a Friend First”; STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in “Think Like a Citizen Scientist” and “Think Like an Engineer”; the arts in “Outdoor Art”; peer relationships in “Making Friends” and “Social Butterfly”; financial literacy through the “Girl Scout Cookie Program” and “Money Manager.”
As a result of the program, over 75% of girls demonstrated a strong sense of self, showing confidence in themselves and their abilities. Over 70% of girls demonstrated positive values, acting ethically, honestly, and responsibly while showing concern for others. And 60% of girls demonstrated strong healthy relationships skills, including the ability to express themselves and resolve conflicts constructively; 80% of girls reported believing that they can do better in school after the Project Opportunity program.
This funding will allow GSNI’s Project Opportunity to engage girls in over 30 sites across seven Northern Illinois Counties including Boone, DeKalb, Kane, McHenry, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago, who are not currently served by outreach programs funded by existing generous donors. Project Opportunity provides the GSLE to girls affected by poverty and other at-risk factors, including girls who face barriers to participating in positive youth development programs. The AmeriCorps grant will provide resources and AmeriCorps Members necessary to sponsor participation of an additional 800 girls in the Girl Scout program. Through their participation, these 800 girls will derive the full program benefits of being a Girl Scout.
GSNI is currently seeking dedicated individuals who are interested in serving their community as AmeriCorps members. Part-time members are needed across Northern Illinois. All members will receive a modest living allowance and ongoing training and development opportunities. To get involved, email americorps@girlscoutsni.org.
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