Girl Scouts of the USA Receives Two-Year Dell Grant for "Journey and Connect Through Technology"

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Aug 28, 2012, 11:15 ET

NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has received a two-year grant for its "Journey and Connect Through Technology" program from the Dell Powering the Possible Youth Learning Initiative. The program will engage underserved girls in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and STEM skills, while developing Be The Video Game Designer, an interactive experience that will be made available on the Girl Scouts website.

In line with GSUSA commitment to develop age appropriate leadership skills in girls, the program will put them in the driver's seat of idea generation in video game development. The girls will consider aspects of what they would like to see in video games, and make selections based on those preferences including choosing avatars, storylines and other video game features. They will learn critical thinking, teamwork, and ideation skills that will help them experience themselves as creators in the video game process.

"Children are learning in new ways, connecting with other people and gaining valuable skills," said Trisa Thompson, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at Dell. "But it's not just about the technology; it's about preparing young people for success. This shared responsibility between Dell and the community brings about real learning opportunities and real change. It's about helping youth discover more possibilities, because when they're connected, their worldview becomes much wider and they better understand the opportunities that lie ahead."

"We're thrilled to partner with Dell on this exciting project," said Anna Maria Chavez, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of the USA. "Technology and all of the STEM fields are essential to our nation's future and we at Girl Scouts are committed to exposing our girls to the amazing possibilities that STEM careers have to offer, from environmental science to computer engineering to designing that next generation of video games. And not only does this project expose girls to technology, but it also allows them to take the lead."

GSUSA is the only organization, out of 50 charities managing 34 programs, to receive a two-year commitment from the Dell Powering the Possible Youth Learning Initiative. The initiative provides $2.4 million to charities across the nation.

This grant comes as Girl Scout celebrates its 100th anniversary during which the iconic organization launched a cause campaign known as ToGetHerThere. ToGetHerThere is designed to bring about balanced leadership across all sectors in a single generation by supporting girls and their leadership development.

About Girl Scouts of the USA
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, with 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer or reconnect with, or donate to Girl Scouts, call 800-GSUSA-4-U or visit www.girlscouts.org.

SOURCE Girl Scouts of the USA