Philadelphia, U.S.A. — The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) has been selected to represent the National Girl Scouts organization at the White House on June 20 in a special celebration of Title IX, which, since 1972, has mandated that no individual in the United States shall be excluded from participation in any athletic activity or education program based upon gender.

Seven accomplished Girl Scouts from eastern Pennsylvania, including four Gold Awardees and three Girl Scout Advisers to the Board of Directors, will join CEO Natalye Paquin in participating in the Title IX anniversary celebration 40 years after the legislation was passed. The day’s events will also include a mentorship session, where the young women will have the opportunity to discuss female empowerment and seek leadership advice from trailblazers who pioneered female athletic opportunities. Representing the White House will be Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama and Chair of the White House Council on Women & Girls and Tina Tchen, Executive Director of the White House Council on Women & Girls.

“We are honored that our council was selected to represent the Girl Scouts of the USA on this national stage, especially in our 100th year of service to girls across the nation and world,” said Paquin. “Joining me at the White House are girls from a cross section of our council who are all accomplished leaders, athletes and representative of the talented young women who take part in the Girl Scouts. Title IX was game-changing legislation for women and girls. Many girl scouts are athletes.”

Title IX served as a step towards equal rights for women and created a pathway for females to become accepted into athletics on a national scale. In response to greater opportunities to play, the number of high school girls participating in sports has risen tenfold since 1972, while six times as many women compete in college sports today. Despite these advances, obstacles for female athletes remain as girls and women still have fewer opportunities and often endure inferior treatment in areas such as equipment, facilities, coaching, and scheduling. The past, present and future of Title IX will be discussed among all guests in attendance June 20.

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Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) announced on March 28, that it will partner with espnW and the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) to hold an event honoring forty women who have benefitted from the passage of Title IX. The 40 FOR 40 event will be held on Thursday, June 21, at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires schools and colleges receiving federal money in any education program or activity to provide the same opportunities for girls as they provide for boys.

WSF, with input from espnW and WICT, will select a list of the forty women who have made the greatest impact on society after participating in high school or college sports following passage of the 1972 law. The impact of the designees will encompass several fields of endeavor, including athletics, academics, science, technology, media, medicine and civil service.

The forty women selected will be recognized at the 40 FOR 40 gathering on June 21. In addition, the event will feature keynote presentations and a Power Panel comprised of a number of top honorees. The panel will explore the impact of Title IX as well as the role sports has played in their lives in helping them overcome obstacles and seek new opportunities.

In addition to WICT, espnW and WSF, Scripps Networks Interactive will serve as the supporting sponsor of the event. The event will be part of a range of activities each organization has planned surrounding the anniversary of Title IX, including programming, social media and additional educational outreach.

According to the WSF, Title IX has resulted in growth of girls participating in high school sports from 1 in 27 in 1972 to 2 in 5 today. Title IX has not only made its impact felt in terms of athletic participation, but in educational opportunities for girls and women. According to several studies, the combination of the two has produced significant long-term educational, health and economic benefits for women.

On average, those who participated in high school sports received more education and higher wages. Dr. Betsy Stevenson, an economist at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, found that changes created by Title IX explain about 20% of the rise in female educational attainment and up to 40% of the overall rise in the employment of women ages 25 to 34 in the years since passage.

“We look forward to joining forces to shine a spotlight on highly accomplished women that have benefited from Title IX,” said Maria E. Brennan, President & CEO of WICT. “They are leaders in all walks of life, worthy of celebration and emulation on this landmark anniversary.”

“Whether women went on to higher levels of athletic achievement or achievement in another field, their participation in high school and college sports has made a significant impact on their lives and indeed on the lives of others,” said Laura Gentile, Vice President of espnW. “These inspirational women clearly demonstrate the positive role sports can play in life. espnW is proud to salute them.”

“In the forty years since Title IX was enacted, the landscape of the athletic, academic, science/medicine, media, business and political fields has shifted dramatically and positively for women,” said Kathryn Olson, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation. “By gaining equal access to sports, coupled with their access to increased educational opportunities, these women have been able to realize their true potential and many have taken full advantage.”

“The link between athletic and educational access for women and the resulting economic impact is a remarkable benefit of this legislation,” said Cindy McConkey, Senior Vice President of Communications for Scripps Networks Interactive. “Scripps Networks Interactive is proud to help recognize the contributions women make in all areas.”

Image Courtesy of  Aspen Photo / Shutterstock.com

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