Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council was given a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to advance its local leadership program.

The funding will go toward Girl Scout Impact Program: Empowering Girls for Life, which provides leadership development, hands-on learning, and year-round enrichment activities to girls across Maricopa County who face limited access to traditional programming.

“The generous grant support from the Thunderbirds and Thunderbirds Charities will connect 500 girls across Maricopa County with skill-building programs, leadership opportunities, and the lifelong sisterhood of Girl Scouts,” says Christina Spicer, co-CEO of the council, in a press release.

The program aims to make Girl Scouting accessible to all girls, particularly those living in community centers, shelters, correctional facilities, group homes, and other environments where programming may be unavailable. A key outreach program of the initiative is Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, which serves girls ages five to 17 whose mothers are incarcerated.

“Through Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, girls can gain the tools they need to grow into confident leaders, while also strengthening the mother-daughter bond through regular visits and shared activities,” adds Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of the council, in a press release. “Every girl deserves the chance to discover her potential, and Girl Scouts is committed to providing a space where that can happen.”

The program also includes Girl Scouts in Detention Centers, a program serving girls ages 12 to 17 involved in all areas of the juvenile justice system. GSDC encourages participants to embrace leadership and break cycles while addressing the community issues that often impact young women.

The program provides financial assistance for dues and fees, as well as uniforms, badge books, and other supplies needed to start their Girl Scout journey.

For more information, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org.