Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast Partners with Carroll University to Award College Credit for Gold Award Girl Scouts
Beginning Fall 2026, eligible Gold Award Girl Scouts will receive four credits for leadership and personal effectiveness through new credit for prior learning program.
MILWAUKEE – (May 21, 2026) – Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast (GSWISE) today announced a partnership with Carroll University to recognize the extraordinary achievement and leadership development of Gold Award Girl Scouts by awarding academic credit through Carroll’s new credit for prior learning program.
Beginning with Fall 2026 enrollment, students who have earned the Girl Scout Gold Award will receive four credits for LEA190: Leadership and Personal Effectiveness at Carroll University. The recognition affirms the significant learning, leadership, and project management skills that Girl Scouts develop while working toward the highest award in Girl Scouting. Through this partnership, Carroll University is formally recognizing that the Gold Award reflects college-level learning outcomes in leadership, initiative, and personal effectiveness.
“Carroll University is proud to recognize the exceptional leadership demonstrated through the Girl Scout Gold Award,” said President Cindy Gnadinger. “By awarding academic credit for this achievement, we are affirming that meaningful, high-impact learning often happens beyond the classroom. This partnership reflects our commitment to honoring the dedication, initiative and real-world impact these students bring to our campus community.”
“Earning the Gold Award is a powerful demonstration of leadership, vision, and commitment to creating lasting change. This new opportunity with Carroll University helps honor the incredible work of these Girl Scouts and reinforces the value of the skills they bring to their college experience and to their communities,” said Ana Simpson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast. “We are excited to see Carroll University affirm the lasting value of this achievement and invest in the future of these young leaders.”
The Gold Award is presented to Girl Scouts in grades 9–12 who identify a community issue, develop a sustainable solution and lead a project that creates lasting impact. In the process, Gold Award Girl Scouts build skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving and project management that prepare them for success in college and beyond.
According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of Gold Award Girl Scouts agree that earning their Gold Award gave them skills that help them succeed professionally. Seventy-two percent (72%) said earning their Gold Award helped them get a scholarship. Changing the world doesn’t end when a Girl Scout earns her Gold Award. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of Gold Award Girl Scout alums take on leadership roles in their everyday lives.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast Kicks Off National Cookie Season by Welcoming Exploremores™ to the Cookie Lineup and Adobe as National Sponsor
Jan 20th, 2026 by Girl Scouts of Wisconsin SoutheastGirl Scouts in southeastern Wisconsin embark on the highly anticipated 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season, channeling their entrepreneurial skills through creativity and exploration.
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Release 2025 Wisconsin Girl Report
Oct 31st, 2025 by Girl Scouts of Wisconsin SoutheastNew report examines current challenges and opportunities for girls statewide amidst unique social circumstances
