Girl Scouts of Southern California have received huge donations from MacKenzie Scott.
Scott donated $4.9 million to Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, the largest donation from a single individual the organization has received.
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles CEO Theresa Edy Kein said the gift to their organization will enable them to create more equitable membership opportunities in communities previously underserved by Girl Scouts, including diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and racial justice initiatives.
Priorities for the donation include expanding girls' access to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics programs, including hands-on coding, robotics, and sustainability, Kien said.
In addition, Girl Scouts of Orange County announced it had received a $2.8 million donation from Scott.
Vikki Shepp, CEO of Girl Scouts of Orange County says:
"We are deeply grateful of MacKenzie Scott's gift to Girl Scouts. Locally, this is a vital accelerator for Girl Scouts of Orange County's ongoing efforts to help all girls cultivate the skills and connections to live their best lives. In today's complicated world, Girl Scouts is an essential force in girls' lives as they explore their ambitions, realize their dreams, and become leaders in our communities and their own lives. Add to that, the lifelong skills girls develop in Girl Scouts - like confidence, resilience, problem solving, and decision-making, and it is clear why we are so passionate about serving all girls across Orange County."
According to their press release, the gift will help reach more girls in Orange County in communities that have been under-engaged and work to help prepare girls for leadership, including an expanded focus on career readiness, mental wellness, the arts, STEM, and local outdoor opportunities. It will also help to future-proof its facilities, including its much cherished Camp Scherman, located in Idyllwild.
The donations are part of an $84.5 million donation to Girl Scouts of the USA and 29 of its 111 local councils selected by Scott.
Scott has pledged to give away the bulk of her fortune from her divorce settlement from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.