For nearly 115 years, Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) has been preparing girls for a lifetime of leadership through its hands-on, girls-led youth development program. Longitudinal research underscores the program’s lasting impact: Participation in Girl Scouts is correlated with higher educational attainment, greater civic engagement and stronger career aspirations. Despite these remarkable benefits, not every girl has the opportunity to take part in Girl Scouts—particularly those living in low-income communities.

In 2022, Girl Scouts of Nassau County (GSNC) created the Community Action Plan 10 (CAP 10) to address such inequities by bringing STEM and life skills programming to underserved communities in Nassau County through school and community-based partnerships. School districts offer access to students and families, while GSNC provides the curriculum and financial assistance for participants, as well as trained facilitators, volunteers and mentors.

CAP 10 is delivered during and after school in trusted community settings. Ongoing coordination between educators and GSNC staff, as well as support from district liaisons and families, help ensure that the program aligns with school priorities and incorporates culturally responsive content that reflects the youth served. Equally important, the program is uniquely adaptable to fit the scheduling needs and interests of participants and the available resources of school districts and families.

"CAP 10 enables young people in underserved communities to participate in a life-changing experience that connects them with positive role models who can help them develop the critical competencies and leadership skills needed to make a lasting impact on the world," said Randell Bynum, Chief Executive Officer of GSNC.

“As we continue to expand CAP 10 to broaden access to high-impact experiences for more girls across Nassau County, we are also building a new college readiness program targeted to girls ages 14–16 in under-resourced communities. With a focus on academic planning, career exploration, confidence building and financial literacy, this program will help ensure more girls are empowered to envision—and build—a stronger future for themselves, their families and their communities.”

2025 Frances R. Hesselbein Award Recipient

CAP 10:

Empowering Youth Through Community Partnerships

ORGANIZATION
Girl Scouts of Nassau County

PROGRAM
CAP 10: Empowering Youth Through Community Partnerships

PARTNERS

• Hempstead, Valley Stream and Westbury Union Free School Districts
• Hicksville Public Schools and Glen Cove Public Schools

“Our partnership with the Nassau County Girl Scouts is one we treasure deeply. Beyond all the amazing volunteer work, this relationship has brought our girls together in a safe, welcoming space where friendships blossom and confidence grows. Thank you for being such a positive force in the lives of our young women.”
—Victoria Ferguson, Community Youth Services Group Worker II, Town of North Hempstead "Yes We Can" Community Center

CONTACT INFORMATION
Girls Scouts of Nassau County
110 Ring Road West
Garden City, NY 11530
516.741.2550
gsnc.org

Randell Bynum
Chief Executive Officer
officeoftheceo@gsnc.org