AWESOME NEWS: Bridging the Gap for New Mexico Girls

ALBUQUERQUE (August 6, 2020) – As New Mexico parents struggle with the uncertainty of what the 2020-2021 school year will look like for their students, the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails is preparing to step in with online enrichment courses to help fill the educational gaps caused by Covid-19. This extension of the Girl Scouts at Home program will bring connection to New Mexico girls through afterschool and weekend activities in age-appropriate small groups facilitated by Girl Scouts staff and volunteers.

“Over the summer we transitioned our programs and activities in STEM, entrepreneurship, outdoor education and life skills to a completely virtual model, with more than 1,600 girls participating in free online classes since May,” said Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails CEO, Rebecca Latham. “We were preparing to slow down once school started again, but with parents feeling so anxious about their children receiving a well-rounded education we’ve made the decision to continue for the fall semester.”

With more than 100 years of proven success as a girl-focused leadership organization, Girl Scouts has recently announced new coursework in entrepreneurship, STEM career exploration, automotive engineering and civics. Virtual programs and at-home activity kits in these areas, combined with existing unique and proven programs, demonstrate the Girl Scouts commitment to developing female leaders in areas where women are underrepresented.

Examples of Girl Scouts at Home programs that will be offered online and in self-contained activity kits through the fall semester include:

• Build it Brigade – Girls receive materials and instructional worksheets at home to identify a problem, conceptualize a solution, create a product and turn it into a business of their own.
• Cybersecurity Basics – Girls learn to navigate the internet safely through lessons on cybersecurity, privacy and how to protect themselves on the computer.
• Introduction to Government – Girls learn about the functions of each branch of government, from city council to the Supreme Court, just in time for the November election.
• Code Club – Girls learn the basics of coding and create a project that can be shared with others using the skills that they have learned.
• 19th Amendment and National Parks – Girls learn about the centennial of the 19th amendment and the role women have played in the National Park Service for the past 100 years.

Girl Scouts at Home activities and programs are open to all girls in New Mexico, kindergarten – 12th grade. There is no-cost for current members of Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails to participate, and non-members can participate for a nominal fee. Girls may become a member of Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails for $40, and the membership is valid through September 2021.

“We know that girls who participate in Girl Scouts have a stronger sense of self, possess more positive values, seek out challenges, have healthier relationships, and aspire to solve community problems. These attributes do not change just because girls aren’t able to meet in person,” said Latham. “In fact, research suggests that girls who continue to participate in Girl Scouts online feel happier and more connected, resulting in greater feelings of overall satisfaction and well-being.”

Learn more about Girl Scouts at Home and how to join Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails at NMGirlScouts.org.