The Bristol-Warren Girl Scouts were among those who witnessed history recently at the State House when Governor Dan McKee signed landmark legislation recognizing the achievements of Girl Scout Gold Award recipients.

The new law provides automatic admission to Rhode Island’s public colleges and universities for Gold Award recipients who meet each institution’s admissions requirements. The legislation recognizes the Girl Scout Gold Award — the highest achievement in Girl Scouting — as a testament to exceptional leadership, community service, and lasting impact.

For girls in Bristol and Warren, the legislation is about more than college admission. It sends a powerful message that the leadership skills developed through Girl Scouting are valued far beyond the troop experience and can open doors to future opportunities.

“This legislation recognizes something Girl Scouts have known for generations — that when girls are given opportunities to lead, they accomplish extraordinary things,” said Warren resident Lisa Crowell, Bristol-Warren Service Unit Manager and Senior Risk & Compliance Manager at Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England. “The Gold Award represents years of dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to making communities stronger. It demonstrates that leadership, service, and the ability to solve real-world problems are qualities worth investing in.”

Crowell hopes the legislation will inspire more girls in both towns to challenge themselves through Girl Scouting and ultimately pursue the Gold Award.

“When younger girls see milestones like this, they begin to understand that their ideas matter and that they have the power to create positive change,” Crowell said. “Whether they’re leading a service project, earning badges, or one day pursuing the Gold Award, every step they take helps build the confidence, courage, and character to make a difference in their communities. This legislation reinforces that leadership truly opens doors.”