The
State of Girls is a series of first-of-its-kind reports by the
Girl Scout Research Institute that examine girls’ health and well-being in the
United States. These reports are based on current national statistical
indicators focused on key issues such as health, safety, and educational
achievement of girls, as well as demographic trends.
In 2013, the national report, The State of Girls: Unfinished Business was released, finding that
while progress has been made for girls in some areas such as educational
attainment, many girls are being left behind. Particularly, African American
and Hispanic girls face significant challenges in making successful transitions
to adulthood.
This
report, which examines state-level data on girls’ well-being, finds that where
girls live matters. Geographically, there are some clear differences in girls’
well-being between the north and the south of the United States.
Girls
living in the mid-west, northeast, and mid-Atlantic are faring the best overall
in the country. Girls generally fare better in the northern states compared
with southern states, which rank the lowest in girls’ well-being. However, we
know that “data is not destiny,” and as the premier leadership development
organization for girls, Girl Scouts is committed to ensuring that all girls
develop to their full potential. This fact sheet highlights key areas of challenge
and opportunity for girls in the U.S., as well as solutions for better
supporting girls based on contributions of the Girl Scout Movement.