KNOXVILLE - Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians (GSCSA) has launched an exciting new endeavor: Girl Scout Academy, a first-of-its-kind program that provides the same, unique leadership development program that Girl Scouts has provided for more than 100 years. Launching initially in Knoxville, the program will provide educational-based programming through a range of badges and creative projects and will be led by GSCSA staff.

The Girl Scout Academy is an opportunity for girls to expand their Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) through earning badges tailored to develop their knowledge and abilities within the outdoors, life skills, entrepreneurship, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

This program allows flexibility for families by allowing them to choose the specific semester times and days that complement their pre-existing activities.

The Girl Scout Academy will also help aid each eligible girl in her pursuit of High Awards within the program. The Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, the highest honors a Girl Scout can earn, help promote citizenship within the communities where the girls live and create an opportunity for girls to show colleges and employers they’re making a difference and changing the world.

Starting in January, the Girl Scout Academy will be held in short semesters throughout the year, fitting into girls’ already busy schedules. The program will be held in the GSCSA Knoxville Service Center located at 1567 downtown West Blvd. The price per girl is $120.

“One of the key elements to the Girl Scout Academy,” said Ashley Smallwood, outreach programs manager, “is to ensure that we are providing girls opportunities to foster further self-growth by developing competencies that will help them become contributing citizens within their communities that make the world a better place.”


Session Options for Jan. 7 to Feb. 28:

To learn more or register, email info@girlscoutcsa.org or call 800-474-1912.