Law that grants Gold Award recipients automatic admission to colleges is ceremonially signed
Warwick, R.I. (July 29, 2026)—On Wednesday, July 29, Governor Dan McKee signed into law a bill that automatically grants admission to Rhode Island state public institutions of higher education for qualified Gold Award and Eagle Scout recipients! This bill was sponsored by Senator David P. Tikoian and Representative Tina Spears and recognizes Gold Award Girl Scouts’ and Eagle Scouts’ extraordinary achievements in leadership, community service, and personal development. Girl Scouts had the opportunity to participate in multiple steps of the legislative process, lobbying for the bill on the House and Senate floor in May, as well as attending the bill signing at the Rhode Island State House today.
The law (2026-S 2432A, 2026-H 7416A) applies to any Rhode Island resident who has earned the Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of the USA or rank of Eagle Scout from Scouting America and meets all minimum application submission requirements of the institution.
“Gold Award and Eagle are the highest honors in Girl Scouts and Scouting America, formerly known as Boy Scouts,” said Dana Borrelli-Murray, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England. “These honors have existed for over a century and are earned by fewer than 2% of all Girl Scouts and 6% of all Scouting America members nationwide. Our Highest Award members are among the most motivated, community-focused, and academically prepared students graduating from Rhode Island high schools. This bill codifies into law a commitment to incentivize our state’s best and brightest to stay local. This commitment will also result in more youth completing these thousands of hours of community service for our state—public work that lives on beyond their projects.”
We are Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character. We serve all of Rhode Island, 13 communities in Massachusetts, and one in Connecticut.
Girl Scouts discover who they are, tap into the power inside them, and build the confidence to let it shine. Through programs across Southeastern New England, girls and gender-expansive youth of all backgrounds and abilities come as they are to explore their passions, meet new challenges, and develop hands-on skills. They find their strengths in science labs and on hiking trails, at cookie booths and in front of city councils. Backed by millions of alums and a network of dedicated adult volunteers and mentors, Girl Scouts drive change to make the world a better place. Along the way, they uncover the tools they need to lead with joy, on their own terms. Join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate.
Ginger Lallo, Chief Operating Officer / glallo@gssne.org
Taylor Gomes, Marketing and Communications Manager / tgomes@gssne.org
401-331-4500