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.
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 workshops, special workplace visits, and a team capstone project. Participants will also have the opportunity to:
- Attend Kickoff Day at Camp Kaufmann (Fall 2025)
- Attend 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
- Become eligible for scholarships
There is a $50 dollar commitment fee, but all other costs are covered thanks to our generous funders!
*Financial Aid is available. Email leadershipinstitute@girlscoutsnyc.org to learn more.
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+.
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.
