Thank you for your interest in scholarship opportunities for Girl Scouts!

Aside from the scholarships found on this webpage, GSUSA has a compiled a list of universities/colleges, foundations, and Girl Scout councils that offer scholarships, awards, and grants to Girl Scouts. Good luck!

Earning your Girl Scout Gold Award is an excellent way to give any college or scholarship application that “something extra” to help you stand out from the crowd.

National Jewish Committee on Girl Scouting Scholarship toggle arrow

The National Jewish Committee on Girl Scouting (NJCGS) will again offer a scholarship opportunity for post-high school education that can be applied for by Girl Scouts who have earned their Girl Scout Gold Award AND their Or Emunah Award, the NJCGS religious award that can be earned by Girl Scouts in 10th to 12th grade.

In addition to the Gold Award and Or Emunah requirements, applicants need to:

1) Submit the application form.

2) Complete a brief essay (200-300 words) describing how the applicant’s connection to Judaism has influenced her Girl Scout experience.

3) Submit at least one reference from a non-relative who knows about the applicant’s Girl Scout, Jewish and/or community activities.

The deadline for submitting all application materials is April 30, 2026.

Further requirements and details about the scholarship can be found in the application form at: NJCGS-Scholarship-Application-Form.pdf

Further information about the National Jewish Committee on Girl Scouting and the Or Emunah Award can be found on our website: National Jewish Committee on Girl Scouting, Inc.

Please share this information with any Girl Scouts you know who are in the process, or have completed, the qualifications for this scholarship.

Questions? Contact NJCGS.comm@gmail.com and include the word “Scholarship” in the subject of your email.

William & Ida Kiefer Memorial Scholarship toggle arrow

Scholarship Opportunity for Girl Scouts residing in Essex and Hudson counties.

Applications are now being accepted for the William & Ida Kiefer Memorial Scholarship through May 8, 2026.

This scholarship was set up as a legacy gift for "deserving students in financial need in Essex and Hudson counties wishing to further their post-high school education." This scholarship opportunity can be used for ANY post-high school education.

Applicants must have an active Girl Scout membership, be currently in 12th grade, and reside in either Essex or Hudson county. Once again, this year the application process will take place through an online form below. A preview of requirements and questions is also available through our FAQs button.

Please note: There are requirements for girls’ references to submit their documents separately.

Questions? Please reach out to the Fund Development Team at FundDevelopment@gshnj.org.

Scholarship from Paul Smith's College toggle arrow

Attention Girl Scouts who have earned their Gold Award!

Students who are accepted to Paul Smith's College will receive a $1,000 Scholarship for their accomplishments in Girl Scouts. This scholarship will renew each year the student is enrolled at Paul Smith's and will be offered in addition to other scholarships or grants offered by Paul Smith's College.

Click here for more information on the application process.

The Congressional Award Program toggle arrow

The Congressional Award program, sponsored by the United States Congress, honors youth for setting and accomplishing goals in the areas of voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. This award is given to youth ages 14 to 23 who complete a given number of hours across each area. To date, over 7.4 million hours of service have been contributed to communities across the country as a part of the Congressional Award program and there are currently over 45,000 youth enrolled. Hours accumulated through Girl Scout Gold Award projects or other Girl Scout activities can be counted toward a candidate’s goal as long as activities are in compliance with the award program guidelines. (Please note that hours accumulated by Girl Scouts prior to registering for the Congressional Award do not count.) Youth can earn up to six different honors: Bronze, Silver, and Gold certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals.

To access the Congressional Award program guidelines and instructions for logging hours, visit the Congressional Award website.

President's Volunteer Service Award toggle arrow

The President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes unpaid acts of volunteer service benefitting others performed by individuals ages 5 and up. Click here to learn more. Although GSHNJ is no longer a certifying organization for this award, you may find that other community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, businesses, and schools can certify for this award.

Leadership Awards

Practice all the ways you can lead yourself, your team, and your community.

The new Leadership Awards are about building real skills for real impact and having the confidence to turn your ideas into action. Whether you’re figuring out what leadership means to you, working with a team, leading a group, or stepping up to a challenge, these awards are designed to help you explore what leadership means to you—no pressure, just room to grow.

Personal
Leadership
Awards

For Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Peer
Leadership
Awards

For Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Teaching
Leadership
Awards

For Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Community
Advocacy
Awards

For Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Personal Leadership Awards toggle arrow

Start with you—build confidence and courage to lead your way.

The brand-new True North award is available for Junior, Cadette, and Senior/Ambassador Girl Scouts.

The True North award is about discovering what matters to you and staying true to yourself. It’s your chance to follow your values and take meaningful action, even when it feels hard or a little scary. Whether you’re finding the courage to speak up for what you believe in, taking on challenges, or advocating for positive change, this award helps you build the confidence and clarity to chart your own course and take courageous steps toward what truly matters to you.

Bonus feature: Earning the True North award for your program level opens the door to the Highest Awards. Once you earn this award, you’ve fulfilled the prerequisite and are ready to start your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award.

Download the Volunteer Guide and Action Plan PDFs:

Junior: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Cadette: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Senior & Ambassador: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide

Make it official—Get your award pin!

Peer Leadership Awards toggle arrow

Be an awesome teammate while learning how to guide a group.

The Silver Torch award for Cadettes and the Gold Torch award for Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts help you grow as a team leader. You’ll start by learning how to be a great teammate and build up to leading a group of peers within Girl Scouting or the wider community.

Silver Torch award: Learn how to shine on a team at school or within a place of worship, Girl Scouts, or a community organization. Work toward a shared goal, support your teammates, and build confidence as you find out what motivates people and inspires positive change.

Gold Torch award: This award gives you the know-how and skills to lead with purpose and heart, not just be in charge. Whether you’re a team captain, club officer, advisory board member, or a leader at a community organization, you’ll learn how to bring people together, turn ideas into impact, and inspire others.

Bonus feature: Earning the Torch award for your program level opens the door to the Highest Awards. Once you earn this award, you’ve fulfilled the prerequisite and are ready to start your Silver or Gold Award.

Download the Volunteer Guide and Action Plan PDFs:

Cadette: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Senior & Ambassador: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide

Make it official—Get your award pin!

Teaching Leadership Awards toggle arrow

Share your skills and inspire younger kids with hands-on leadership.

The path from helper to role model starts here! Level by level, you’ll grow the confidence and planning skills to lead younger kids through activities, program events, and more.

Junior Aide award (Junior): Discover your leadership style by planning and leading a fun, inclusive activity for younger kids. Build your confidence as you learn what it means to guide and inspire others.

Program Aide award (Cadette): Grow your leadership skills by planning and leading multiple activities—including a full meeting—for younger Girl Scouts. You’ll practice being a role model and engaging different age groups along the way.

Volunteer in Training award (Senior/Ambassador): Take charge by leading two full meetings. Create meaningful experiences that help younger Girl Scouts learn, grow, and feel included while making a lasting impact as a mentor and leader.

Counselor in Training I (Senior/Ambassador): Team up with other teens to learn how to connect with campers, shadow and support camp staff, and take the lead on songs, games, and group activities. You’ll build real leadership skills, make a lasting impact, and become the role model younger campers look up to—all while having a blast at camp.

Counselor in Training II (Ambassador): Take your leadership to the next level by planning and leading fun, meaningful activities, including a hands-on service project, for younger campers. You’ll also get to support camp staff by helping to manage schedules, keep groups on track, and handle real-life challenges like conflict resolution. You’ll grow your skills, make a difference, and keep being the role model others look up to.

For Counselor in Training I and II, reach out to your local Girl Scout council to locate a CIT program at a camp near you.

Bonus feature: Earning one Leadership award for your program level opens the door to the Highest Awards. Once you earn this award, you’ve fulfilled the prerequisite and are ready to start your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award.

Download the Volunteer Guide and Action Plan PDFs:

Junior Aide: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Program Aide: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Volunteer in Training: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
For Counselor in Training I and II, reach out to your local Girl Scout council to locate a CIT program at a camp near you.

Make it official—Get your award pin!

Community Advocacy Awards toggle arrow

Turn your passions into action by making change locally or globally.

The Take Action award and Global Action award are available to Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts who want to turn their passion into action! Pick your favorite badge and use it as inspiration to create meaningful impact in your community. Many issues affect your world, both close to home and far away—focus on one that matters most to you.

Take Action award: Team up to identify a local issue, understand what’s behind it and who’s already working on it, and create a lasting solution.

Global Action award: Explore how communities worldwide experience similar issues, then make a global connection by applying what you learn to your project.

Bonus feature: Earning one Community Advocacy award opens the door to the Highest Awards. Once you earn this award, you’ve fulfilled the prerequisite and are ready to start your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award.

Download the Volunteer Guide and Action Plan PDFs:

Junior: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Cadette: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Senior & Ambassador: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide

Make it official—Get your award pin!

You show the world your leadership skills when you wear your pin on your Girl Scout uniform.

SHOP NOW

Explore the Highest Awards:

Bronze Award

When you team up with your troop to make a difference in your community, you can earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award.

Silver Award

Team up as a small group of Cadettes, find an issue you care about, and make a difference in your community to earn the Girl Scout Silver Award.

Gold Award

Change the world, change your life, and earn the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting.

Council Finder

Scholarships & Leadership Awards

Thank you for your interest in scholarship opportunities for Girl Scouts!

Leadership Awards

Practice all the ways you can lead yourself, your team, and your community.

Personal
Leadership
Awards

Peer
Leadership
Awards

Teaching
Leadership
Awards

Community
Advocacy
Awards

Start with you—build confidence and courage to lead your way.

The brand-new True North award is available for Junior, Cadette, and Senior/Ambassador Girl Scouts.

Be an awesome teammate while learning how to guide a group.

The Silver Torch award for Cadettes and the Gold Torch award for Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts help you grow as a team leader. You’ll start by learning how to be a great teammate and build up to leading a group of peers within Girl Scouting or the wider community.

Share your skills and inspire younger kids with hands-on leadership.

The path from helper to role model starts here! Level by level, you’ll grow the confidence and planning skills to lead younger kids through activities, program events, and more.

Turn your passions into action by making change locally or globally.

Explore the Highest Awards: