Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to announce continued funding from United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties, reinforcing a decades-long partnership that empowers girls through leadership development, STEM education, and financial accessibility to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

United Way has been instrumental in supporting Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. The most recent funding allocations will directly enhance programming in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties by covering membership fees, troop supplies, and program scholarships for families facing financial hardships.

This year, United Way’s funding also helped launch the Mad Lab STEM Program, a hands-on initiative designed to engage girls in science, technology, engineering, and math through immersive learning experiences. The Mad Lab STEM Day at Camp Caloosa in Lee County, hosted in December, introduced Girl Scouts to robotics, engineering challenges, virtual exploration, and interactive science experiments. The girls gained skills and knowledge in a fun and supportive environment.

“United Way’s steadfast partnership allows us to expand our reach and provide life-changing experiences for girls who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, our unique, results-driven curriculum, girls develop practical skills in leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving—giving them a lifelong advantage in any path they choose. Whether they’re exploring STEM, taking on entrepreneurship, or leading service projects, they gain confidence, resilience, and a strong foundation that will serve them well into adulthood.”

Through this partnership, Girl Scouts in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties will continue to develop leadership skills, explore career pathways, and engage in meaningful service projects that strengthen their communities.