Empowering Arizona: How Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona Support the Next Generation of Leaders

This year marks 90 years that Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona has empowered girls across the region with the skills and confidence to grow as leaders in their communities. Their programming goes well beyond the iconic cookie sales, providing opportunities like STEM education and job shadowing opportunities to prepare girls for real-world challenges.

Inspiring Young Leaders Through Innovative Programming

At the heart of Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona’s mission is the promise of a well-rounded experience for every participant. Girls earn badges across core pillars such as entrepreneurship, STEM, the outdoors and leadership. Programs like the Gold Award allow older Scouts to tackle complex community issues, giving them the opportunity to learn project management, teamwork and public speaking skills that prepare them for life beyond high school.

Another priority for Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona is serving girls in underserved communities. Whether it’s weekly after-school sessions at more than 26 schools across the state or outreach to juvenile detention centers and prisons, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona is committed to meeting girls where they are. Programs like “Girl Scouts Beyond Bars” give some girls an opportunity to bond with incarcerated mothers, a unique initiative that offers life-changing moments for many.

Closing the Digital Divide with Comcast

Through its partnership with Comcast, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona works to ensure all girls can thrive in a digital-first world. Comcast worked with the Girl Scouts to establish a Lift Zone at the Hacienda program center – one of the main Girl Scout facilities in Tucson – where girls and families can access reliable, high-speed internet free of charge. The Lift Zone also powers day camps and after-school programming, acting as a place of education and connection.

“Reliable internet access isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Niki Hoffman, chief marketing and fund development officer at Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. “Our girls use the facility to access technology for a variety of activities like coding, quantum mechanics experiments and even online cookie sales.”

Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona also provides digital literacy training on topics like cybersecurity and social media mindfulness to ensure girls, troops and volunteers using the Lift Zone are set up for safety and success.

STEM Education: A Bridge to Opportunity

It’s no surprise that STEM programming is front and center at the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. More than half of the badges a girl can earn focus on STEM skills, and the organization is intentional about making these opportunities accessible to all. Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona partners with organizations in the region to bring in community experts to discuss topics like building robots and exploring quantum mechanics.

For older girls, the workforce development programming is equally robust. The annual LeadHERship conference connects girls with community mentors and covers critical life skills like managing finances, maintaining cars and more. Girls also have opportunities to shadow professionals in their day-to-day roles as part of the Girl Takeover initiative. This program’s popularity has soared, with girls diving into banking, water management and public service for hands-on career exploration.

A Safe Space to Dream Big

The work Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona does is not just about programs and badges – it’s about building a community where girls feel safe, supported and inspired. From the youngest Daisy scouts to high school seniors, participants have a place to grow and be themselves. Even parents and caregivers, often first introduced to the organization through their daughters, find resources and connections through the supportive Girl Scout community.

As Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to prepare girls to make the world a better place. With new initiatives, expanded programming and continued support from partners like Comcast, the future looks bright for the more than 1,200 girls who make up the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona community.

“Every girl deserves the chance to dream big and have the tools to achieve those dreams,” said Hoffman. “Together, we’re building strong, empowered leaders for tomorrow.”

Comcast is proud to partner with the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona as they continue supporting girls and families across the region. To learn more about Comcast partners or find a Lift Zone near you, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/company/impact/project-up.