Building on generations of local impact, Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains is reimagining how investing in girls strengthens Fort Worth's workforce and economic future.

For more than a century, Girl Scouting has helped develop the women who shape Fort Worth. From the city's first Girl Scout troop in 1924 to generations of entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders, Girl Scouting has been part of the region's leadership pipeline for more than 100 years.

Founded nationally in 1912, Girl Scouting grew locally into Circle T Council, chartered in 1941, and later became part of Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains (GSTOP) through a regional merger in 2008. For 45 years, Girl Scouts has also been a proud member of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, reflecting a shared commitment to building a stronger community and preparing future generations for success.

As Fort Worth has grown and evolved, so has Girl Scouting.

Today, GSTOP is building on that legacy with a bold vision: positioning Girl Scouting as an upstream investment in public health, educational engagement, and workforce development.

Texas Is Growing. Are Its Girls Thriving?

Texas is experiencing extraordinary economic growth, but the well-being of its future workforce tells a different story.

According to the 2026 State of the Texas Girl Report, Texas ranks 41st nationally in girls' overall well-being and 51st in physical well-being, placing last among the 50 states and Washington, D.C. An estimated 92% of Texas girls do not achieve the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, while only 20% of eighth-grade girls demonstrate proficiency in mathematics.

Locally, Texas Education Agency data indicates that just 39% of Fort Worth ISD students meet grade-level expectations across tested subjects. Tarrant County Public Health also reports that approximately 72% of adults do not meet both recommended aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity guidelines.

These challenges extend beyond childhood. Physical health, educational readiness, confidence, and social connection all contribute to the foundation of a capable, resilient workforce.

For Fort Worth businesses, investing in girls today is an opportunity to strengthen the talent pipeline that will sustain the region's economic growth tomorrow.

Reimagining Girl Scouting for the Next Generation

For generations, Girl Scouts has developed future leaders through entrepreneurship, outdoor experiences, STEM, and community service. The Girl Scout Cookie Program introduces girls to financial literacy and business decision-making, while outdoor adventures build resilience, teamwork, and confidence.

Today, GSTOP is taking a more intentional approach to connecting these experiences to measurable outcomes in health, education, and workforce readiness.

Unlike interventions that address challenges after they emerge, Girl Scouting creates opportunities for girls to build healthy habits, supportive relationships, confidence, and practical skills during the formative years when those foundations are established.

Serving nearly 10,000 girls and more than 3,000 adult members annually across 81 counties in Texas and Oklahoma, GSTOP is expanding beyond traditional volunteer-led troops to reach girls who face financial, transportation, and other barriers to participation.

Through Girl Scouts After School, girls access leadership development, STEM, and enrichment opportunities within their school communities.

At Camp Timberlake in Fort Worth, GSTOP is developing a summer day camp model combining outdoor education, physical activity, and STEM with accessible childcare, helping girls thrive while supporting working parents.

These initiatives reflect a fundamental shift: Girl Scouting is not simply an extracurricular activity. It is an opportunity to address challenges early, strengthen the foundations of lifelong well-being, and prepare girls to participate in the workforce of tomorrow.

Building Fort Worth's Future Together

GSTOP's 45-year partnership with the Fort Worth Chamber reflects a shared understanding that strong businesses depend on strong communities.

"For more than a century, Girl Scouting has helped Fort Worth girls discover what they're capable of becoming," said Jamie Williams, CEO of Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains. "Today, we're asking a bigger question: What could our community become if every girl had the opportunity to thrive? When businesses invest in girls, they're not just supporting a program. They're helping build the healthy, confident, and capable workforce that Fort Worth's future depends on."

Whether introducing girls to careers in emerging industries, providing professional mentors, engaging employees in volunteer opportunities, or investing in expanded access to Girl Scouting, Fort Worth businesses have an opportunity to directly influence the development of their future workforce.

From the earliest Fort Worth troops to today's regional organization, Girl Scouts has continued to evolve while remaining committed to developing the next generation of leaders.

More than a century after Girl Scouting first took root in Fort Worth, and 45 years into its Chamber partnership, its mission is as relevant as ever.

Because Fort Worth's future isn't just being built in boardrooms and businesses. It's being built in the experiences that help girls discover their potential.

To explore partnership, volunteer, and investment opportunities, visit www.gs-top.org or email jwilliams@gs-top.org.