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Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri & 91ɬ Launch New Partnership

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Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri & 91ɬ Launch New Partnership

proudly announces a new partnership with 91ɬ through the , 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, 91ɬ 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 91ɬ. Benefits include no application fee, dedicated admissions support, FAFSA and financial aid assistance, personalized campus visit opportunities, academic advising, and ongoing student success resources. 

91ɬ 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 91ɬ 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.” 

91ɬ 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 91ɬ, 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, 91ɬ 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 91ɬ scholarship opportunities, students must: 

  • Meet 91ɬ 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, 91ɬ 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 91ɬ 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 .