Loss of AmeriCorps Support May Bring a Difficult End to Girl Scout Programs Serving Thousands
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 5, 2025
Contact: Missy Brozek
Chief Advancement Officer
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
Phone: 888.747.6945 Email: mbrozek@gsnwgl.org
Loss of AmeriCorps Support May Bring a Difficult End to Girl Scout Programs Serving Thousands
May 5, 2025—Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNWGL) serves youth throughout north central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Along with fellow nonprofits throughout Wisconsin, we are heartbroken about the sudden termination of AmeriCorps grants. Among the programs impacted is the Girl Scout Reaching Out program, delivered in partnership with dedicated AmeriCorps members, which will be disrupted and potentially eliminated.
This abrupt loss will significantly impact not only the AmeriCorps members who have given their time and talent to serve, but also thousands of youth in underserved communities who have come to rely on this programming for connection, belonging, and opportunity. GSNWGL is working hard to find continued support for our AmeriCorps members, but currently, they are left without the living stipend, health coverage, and education support provided by the AmeriCorps program. They’re not only losing the opportunity to make a difference in young lives, but also the meaningful professional development and career pathways. Many go on to serve our communities as teachers, counselors, and social workers; some even find full-time roles with Girl Scouts.
Currently, Reaching Out operates in 14 Wisconsin Cities, including Altoona, Appleton, Chippewa Falls, De Pere, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Menasha, Omro, Oshkosh, Plover, Schofield, Stevens Point, Wausau, and Weston. It serves more than 3,000 youth through 70 programs in 56 locations. Seven AmeriCorps members partnered with GSNWGL to lead this work, creating consistent, supportive environments where youth could explore leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.
“Reaching Out was created specifically to break down barriers to participation in out-of-school activities for youth from underserved communities,” said GSNWGL Assistant Program & Inclusion Director Brittany Pyatt. “We partner with schools and community centers where a high percentage of families face economic hardship, are English Language Learners, or identify as families of color. This program has been a critical connection point for so many young people.”
At Girl Scouts, we remain committed to serving every girl, everywhere. Though the future of this programming is unknown, we are grateful for the time we had, and are hopeful that with community support, we will continue to meet girls where they are.
“This initiative was never just about access; it was about building relationships and trust where Girl Scouts have historically been underrepresented. Every participant is invited to join Girl Scouts, attend events, and come to camp, helping create an accessible on-ramp to the broader Girl Scout experience,” said GSNWGL Program & Inclusion Director Gwen Taylor.
Anyone wishing to support our ongoing efforts to reach underserved youth can visit gsnwgl.org/donate.
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Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNWGL) partners with 4,000 volunteers and serves approximately 10,000 girls, covering 58 counties across north central Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, call 888.747.6945 or visit gsnwgl.org. GSNWGL is a proud United Way partner program.
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