First-of-its-kind report illustrates steep socioeconomic challenges faced by emerging majority in U.S.

For the City-Times

Although girls in the United States have made substantial progress in the classroom and elsewhere, persistent disparities and challenges exist that could keep many girls from achieving their full potential. Black/African American and Hispanic/Latina girls are far more likely than their white counterparts to face an array of socioeconomic hurdles that range from growing up in poverty or a low-income household to dropping out of school and struggling with obesity, according to a report released this week by the Girl Scout Research Institute.

The State of Girls: Unfinished Business charts the often-vast disparities that cleave the girl experience along racial and ethnic lines. For example, the report finds that poverty rates among black/African American, Hispanic/Latina, and Native American girls ages 5 to 17 are more than twice that of white and Asian American girls. In the United States today, 21 percent of all girls live in poverty, and the rates are higher for black/African American girls (37 percent), Hispanic/Latina girls (33 percent), and American Indian/Alaska Native girls (34 percent), as compared to white girls (12 percent).

“These findings underlie how vital it is that our organization continue to invest in and enhance our programs that provide support for our populations of girls at risk,” said Gail McNutt, CEO of Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes. “Programs such as Reaching Out bring resources and the Girl Scout leadership message into schools and other venues where girls are dealing with these increasing socioeconomic stresses.”

The State of Girls documents the fact that girls are now more likely than boys to graduate from high school and that the teen birthrate has reached its lowest recorded levels. Yet when researchers looked at the differences among girls in terms of race and ethnicity, it became clear that white girls fare much better than black/African American and Hispanic/Latina girls.

Many girls have low reading and math proficiency, but when race is factored in, disparities in education are overwhelming. Eight out of 10 black/African American and Hispanic/Latina girls are considered “below proficient” in reading by fourth grade, whereas 5 out of 10 white girls are considered “below proficient” in reading by fourth grade.

The study found that obesity rates are high for girls as well. Nearly half of black/African American (44 percent) and Hispanic/Latina (41 percent) girls ages 5 to 17 are overweight or obese, as compared to 26 percent of white girls. Girls also struggle with emotional health: 34 percent of high school girls had self-reported symptoms of depression during the past year. This percentage is highest for black/African American girls; 6 out of 10 black/African American girls report symptoms of depression.

“The key to keep in mind, though, is that data is not destiny,” said Judy Schoenberg, a lead researcher at the Girl Scout Research Institute. “As a society we can do something about this. At Girl Scouts of the USA, we are doing something about this, and will continue to develop programs that meet the needs of all today’s girls.”

In addition to the disparities among racial and ethnic groups, the report also documents the changing demographics among American girls. In 2000, 62 percent of all girls ages 5 to 17 were white. By 2010, that proportion had decreased to 54 percent, and it is projected to continue to decrease to 47 percent by 2030. Meanwhile, the Hispanic/Latina girl population has grown steadily. In 2000, 16 percent of the girl population ages 5 to 17 was Hispanic/Latina. In 2010, that proportion had grown to 22 percent and is projected to reach 31 percent in 2030. The current white majority is expected to be less than half of all girls (47 percent) by 2030.

Written in conjunction with the Population Reference Bureau in Washington, D.C., The State of Girls: Unfinished Business is the first report of its kind to focus exclusively on girls, and it paints a detailed picture of the social and economic lives that the 26 million American girls ages 5 to 17 lead today. The report draws its findings from analyses of large national data sets, including the U.S. Census.

ABOUT THE GIRL SCOUT RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The Girl Scout Research Institute (www.girlscouts.org/research), formed in 2000, is a vital extension of Girl Scouts of the USA’s commitment to addressing the complex and ever-changing needs of girls. Composed of a dedicated staff and advisors who are experts in child development, academia, government, business, and the not-for-profit sector, the institute conducts original research, evaluation, and outcomes-measurement studies; releases critical facts and findings; and provides resources essential for the advancement of the well-being and safety of girls living in today’s world. The GSRI also informs program, public policy, and advocacy for Girl Scouting.

ABOUT GSNWGL

In partnership with over 6,000 adult volunteers, GSNWGL serves nearly 20,000 girls in 58 counties across northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Girl Scouts is the world’s preeminent leadership development organization for girls, building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. To join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate to Girl Scouts, call 888.747.6945 or visit www.gsnwgl.org. GSNWGL is a proud United Way partner program.

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