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Leadership Institute

Leadership Institute

Discover the power of your voice

About the Leadership Institute

Open to Girl Scouts in grades 6-12, the Leadership Institute is designed to foster a generation of Girl Scouts who drive systemic change. By providing them with opportunities to power up their leadership skills, this program helps Girl Scouts build confidence as they shape their views about their own potential.

Choose your pathway

Returning for the 2025-2026 Cohort year, applicants can choose one from one of two pathways for their Leadership Institute experience: the Exploration Path or the Changemakers Path. Applications for Leadership Institute Cohort 2026 will open on August 1st, 2025.

Exploration Path

Are you an inspiring community leader ready to explore new opportunities and build your skills? The Exploration Path offers Girl Scouts a unique opportunity to boost their leadership expertise and gain valuable insights into college and career paths.

The Exploration Path allows you to choose the events that best fit your interests:

Visit college campuses
Attend special GIrl Scouts events
Attend impactful career panels and career orientated workshops

Start developing your leadership potential now—whether you attend one event or all, you’ll be taking steps toward discovering new opportunities and refining your skills.

Enjoy the freedom to attend any number of events, with no set requirements or commitment fees. Each event is priced starting at $5+.

Changemakers Path

Are you ready to make a difference and take action? Whether you’re interested in Business, STEM, or Environmental Advocacy, the Changemakers Path is perfect for Girl Scouts committed to long-term leadership and community growth. This path includes the opportunity to develop your skills through subject matter track workshop seminars, a team capstone porject, special workplace vists, and offers eligibility for scholarships. Here are more benefits:

Kickoff Day at Camp Kaufmann (Fall 2025)
Changemaker Cohort Circle (Winter 2026)
Attend at least 2 different Exploration events (in-person and/or virtual)
Attend a subject matter seminar curated to the topic of your choice
Build a special community through peer led leadership opportunities
Participate in the Cookie Program

There is a $50 dollar commitment fee, but all other costs are included thanks to our generous funders!

*Financial Aid is available. Email leadershipinstitute@girlscoutsnyc.org to learn more about it.

How to Join

The Leadership Institute is open to Girl Scouts in grades 6-12. Previous Girl Scout membership is not required. All members will be required to purchase an active Girl Scout membership for $45 upon acceptance into the Leadership Institute if they do not already have one. Financial assistance is available upon request.

Applications for Leadership Institute Cohort 2026 will open starting August 1st, 2025!

Exploration Path: An interest form is required to receive our list of events and event registration links.

Changemakers Path: Acceptance into the Leadership Institute is based on an online digital application that includes answering short answer questions and a $50 commitment fee.

Things to know:

Think about which path works best for you before you apply —you can only choose one.

For the Changemakers Path, don't worry about selecting a track when you apply—you will select later this fall.

The application must be completed in ONE SITTING. The online application form does not save information.

Double and triple check your responses for spelling.

A photo will need to be submitted with your application.

If you need accommodations or support with your application, please email leadershipinstitute@girlscoutsnyc.org

Scholarships are awarded to select participants. All scholarships and stipends are subject to federal, local and, state taxes, and social security. All recipients will be required to submit a W-9 form. For scholarships over $600 paid to the individual, a 1099 will be issued by the end of the calendar year. Scholarships paid directly to higher education institutions will not be subject to a 1099.

Learn more about the program!

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