WISCONSIN – Girl Scouts of Wisconsin (GSW) has published a new report examining the experiences of girls across the state, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for young women in areas including mental health, academic achievement, and physical wellness.
The 2025 Wisconsin Girl Report examines four key areas of development: physical health, academic performance, emotional wellness and social well-being.
“Girl Scouts has always been more than a program; it’s a lifeline of connection and confidence for girls,” said Missy Brozek, Chief Advancement Officer for Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNGL). “This report reinforces the urgency of our work and reminds us that when we invest in girls’ well-being, education and leadership, we’re strengthening the future of every Wisconsin community.”
The report reveals significant disparities between girls and boys in several areas. One in five high school girls has experienced sexual violence, nearly three times the rate among teenage boys. Half of high school girls meet clinical definitions of depression, 11% higher than boys. Additionally, 25% of high school girls report lacking a teacher or other adult to talk with when they have a problem.
In physical health, the report found that twice as many girls as boys develop binge eating habits, with one in eight girls struggling with skipping meals or fasting. Girls are also twice as likely as boys to engage in zero days of physical activity.
However, the report also highlights areas where girls excel. Girls achieved college-ready proficiency on the ACT at a rate of 41% compared to 31% of boys, and 57% of all students completing Advanced Placement exams in Wisconsin are female.
The report indicates that Girl Scouts programming provides significant support for participants. Seventy-nine percent of Wisconsin Girl Scouts say they are happier because of their involvement, and 71% report feeling more confident in school. Additionally, 92% of Wisconsin Girl Scouts feel the organization is where they belong.
Many more statistics and insights are provided in the 2025 Wisconsin Girl Report. The full report is available at www.wisconsingirlreport.org and also includes recommendations for parents, youth-serving organizations, schools, funders and policymakers.
“This report gives us a clearer picture of the real issues girls are navigating, and how powerful it can be when they’re supported,” said Patti Shafto-Carlson, Chief Executive Officer of GSNGL. “At Girl Scouts, we’re creating spaces where girls can feel safe, be themselves, and grow into the leaders our world needs.”
The GSW serves more than 30,000 girls in grades K-12 across nearly every county in Wisconsin with support from over 15,000 adult volunteers.
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