Congratulations to the Class of 2020 and to all Girl Scouts transitioning out of our organization and into the great, big world. We are immensely proud of you and all that you have done during your time as a Girl Scout! We know the years with us have prepared you for a lifetime of leadership, and we cannot wait to see what your next move is.

There are plenty of ways to stay connected with the Girl Scout sisterhood–– read on to learn more and to hear a special congratulations message from our CEO, Nancy Wright.

Congratulations from our CEO

Congratulations Seniors on graduating high school. As you enter this new period of life, whether it is college, careers, and more, I wanted to take the time to sit down and share with you all how proud I am of your accomplishments. As you navigate this new space, take the lessons you learned from Girl Scouts with you to empower you and your future.

Know that your Girl Scout journey doesn’t end here. With a lifetime membership, you can remain a part of an organization dedicated to providing empowerment and strength to girls in your community, by becoming a Lifetime Member, a volunteer, or by extending your funds to GCNWI for next year. Whatever you decide to do, you will always be a part of the Girl Scout sisterhood.

Once again, congratulations graduates. I can’t wait to see what amazing things you will do in the future.

Extend your Girl Scout Funds!

Guess what, graduating Girl Scouts? We’re allowing a one-time extension for 12th graders to use money-earned funds for the next membership year! These funds can go toward your troop, Cookie Dough/Cash, and/or Program Credits, and the deadline to use the funds has been extended from September 30, 2020 to October 31, 2021. Please be aware:

• All participants must maintain a current membership, either by purchasing a Lifetime Membership with the “young alum” discount or an adult annual membership for the 2020-2021 membership year. Adults working with the young alums must also have an active membership.
• All activities and use of funds must be directly tied to the mission of Girl Scouts and be permitted Girl Scout activities by your council.
• All standard safety and risk management procedures should be followed for group activities (including Volunteer Essentials, Safety Activity Checkpoints, and additional council guidelines).

GSUSA is also offering a 3-month extension September 30 to December 31, 2020 for Girl Scouts who are graduating from 12th grade and who seek to earn the Gold Award this year. Funds intended to be used toward Gold Award projects must be raised and used by December 31, 2020

Even if you’re transitioning out of Girl Scouting, there are still ways you can contribute to the Girl Scout mission! Maintain your current membership and you can use your funds before September 30, 2020 to design a Take Action project, purchase a “young alum” Lifetime Membership, donate to an existing council scholarship fund, create a brand new scholarship fund, or donate to your council’s financial aid fund or another Girl Scout fund.

Read the Graduating Seniors Funds Extension Guidelines for more details.

Join us as a Lifetime Member

Welcome to your next phase in life and leadership. Your Girl Scouting mission does not have to stop here–– by becoming a Lifetime Member, you can remain a part of an organization dedicated to providing empowerment and strength to girls in your community.

Graduating girl members can take advantage of the “Young Alum” discount by purchasing a Lifetime Membership or by purchasing an adult annual membership for the 2020-2021 membership year! Join as a lifetime member before July 31, 2020, and receive your choice of a gift—a lifetime membership scarf, a lifetime membership hat, or Girl Scout graduation regalia recognition cords! Or, in lieu of a gift, $10 will be donated to your local council.

Become a Lifetime Member today.

Give Back to Girl Scouts

Not quite ready to let go? No problem! Join us as a volunteer and you’ll become a part of a community dedicated to empowering young girls to be the best they can be! Whether you can dedicate a day, a year, or a lifetime, volunteering with Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is a great way to keep up with us.

There are plenty of opportunities, from volunteering with a troop or a service unit, mentoring a girl you know personally, or by volunteering your time at an event, program, or camp!

Learn more about volunteering with GCNWI.

Grab Some Graduation and Lifetime Membership Merch!