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The Girl Scouts of the United States of America is celebrating 100 years of being “the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls” through its continued teaching of business, volunteer, and financial literacy.

Founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, the Girl Scouts of the USA aims to empower girls and teach values through activities, acquiring practical skills, and earning badges.

Today, there are 13 new financial badges members can earn that reward money-savvy Girl Scouts who demonstrate proficiency in mortgages, saving, spending, and property taxes.

How do Girl Scouts earn finance badges?

The Girl Scouts are initially paired with an adult mentor (actual real estate brokers) before being asked their career goals and dream job.  Next, the Girl Scouts are asked to illustrate their dream home, while their mentors find an existing home that’s listed on the market in their area as a tangible example of how much the specific type of home would cost.

Next, the mentors and Girl Scouts discuss whether or not their dream home is a feasible option based on the expected salary of their dream job.  The real estate brokers teach the Girl Scouts about interest rates, 20 percent down payments, and the importance of credit to get them accustomed to the home loan process.

After the Girl Scouts successfully research, state, and create a path to their career goals and demonstrate a proficient understanding of what type of home and living standard their career will allow them to afford, they are awarded the prestigious “Financing My Dreams” badge that serves as a concrete reminder of the road they must take to get to their dream job and home.

Watch the video about the new finance badges, mortgage lessons, and 100-year celebration of the Girl Scouts of the USA on the CNN homepage.

Also, remember “every cookie has a mission,” so help celebrate 100 years of the Girl Scouts by purchasing their new cookie, the Savannah Smiles, from either the GSUSA website or a financially savvy Girl Scout in your own neighborhood.

Five bonus facts about the GSUSA:

• With headquarters in New York, the Girl Scouts of the USA serves girls living in the United States as well as American girls living abroad.

• Anna Maria Chavez is the first Latina to be named CEO of the GSUSA.

• Depending on the age level, badges are called Learning Petals for GS Daisies (5-7), Try-Its for GS Brownies (6-9), Badges for GS Juniors (9-11), Charms and Interest Project Awards for GS Cadettes (11-14), Seniors (14-16), and Ambassadors (16-18).

• The GSUSA was started in 1912 by Juliette Gordon in Savannah, Georgia.

• The Girl Scouts of the USA has several employment openings on the careers section of their website.

Jonathan Slappey is a writer for Quicken Loans, a company whose clients believe it’s Engineered to Amaze.  Interested in being Amazed by us? Read trusted reviews at our review site.

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