Summary
- United Airlines is matching miles donated to Girl Scouts of the USA to increase travel opportunities for girls nationwide.
- The donated miles will help offset travel costs for Girl Scouts participating in educational experiences and leadership programs.
- This initiative allows Girl Scouts to explore, make global connections, and cultivate skills they can use throughout their lives.
United Airlines is joining with Girl Scouts of the USA to provide another opportunity for Girl Scouts to explore the nation. To celebrate International Women’s Day and the Girl Scouts’ 112th birthday, the Star Alliance carrier is matching miles donated to the program to increase travel opportunities for girls across the country.
How does it work?
The airline will match the first one million miles raised for Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) through its fundraising and crowdsourcing program Miles on a Mission. The points will help offset travel costs for Girl Scouts participating in educational experiences and leadership programs nationwide.
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The announcement comes as Girl Scout Cookie sale season begins to wind down in many parts of the country. This initiative is one of many causes that United Airlines’ MileagePlus members can donate to. For the Girl Scouts, the opportunity to fly on donated miles can result directly in profoundly enriching and life-changing experiences obtainable only through travel. Wendy Lou, Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Membership at GSUSA noted how valuable the matching program would be for Scouts looking to travel this summer:
“We are honored to be the featured partner for United’s Miles on a Mission program this month.
“As we come to a close on our 2024 cookie season and many are figuring out creative ways to use their cookie proceeds, including travel, we hope this program can help them take their travel dreams even farther.”
Photo: United Airlines
United first began its partnership with GSUSA in 2022, supporting the organization with resources for both volunteers and council staff to deliver STEM programs and broaden the variety of educational opportunities for Girl Scouts. The effect has been immediate, with GSUSA research finding girls who participate in Girl Scout STEM programs are more confident in their math and science abilities and show more interest in STEM subjects and careers.
Equipping the next generation
According to the organization, over 59,000 Girl Scouts traveled either domestically or internationally in 2023. Travel is an essential part of many Girl Scouts’ journeys as they are encouraged to explore, make global connections, and cultivate skills they can use for the rest of their lives through the program.
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Much of the funding for Girl Scouts’ personal adventures and group travel comes from money earned through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and the donated miles can potentially offset one of the most significant costs for the girls. For Helon Hammond, Vice President of Global Learning, People and Community Impact for United, enabling these young leaders to grow makes it all worthwhile:
“At United, we believe that aviation can help connect people and unite the world.
“We are proud to support Girl Scouts of the USA to ensure that members have access and are encouraged to explore and continue learning through travel. We hope to inspire young leaders to continue learning through travel and pursuing careers in aviation.”
Photo: Denver International Airport
To share the (MileagePlus) love and help a Girl Scout near you embark on an unforgettable adventure, visit united.com/donate before April 12th.