Earthrise Energy Awards $25,000 Grant to Girl Scouts of Central Illinois

Funding Will Support Free Enrichment Activities for Girls in Vermilion County 

Danville, IL — Earthrise Energy has awarded a $25,000 RISE Grant to Girl Scouts of Central Illinois (GSCI) to support its Girl Scout Outreach Program, which provides free leadership and wellness programming to girls ages 5–17 in Vermilion County. This impactful program meets girls where they are by partnering with schools and youth-serving organizations to ensure every girl has the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive. 

“At Girl Scouts, we believe every girl deserves the opportunity to build courage, confidence, and character,” said Jennifer Sedbrook, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Illinois. “This grant from Earthrise Energy will help us reach girls who may otherwise miss out on enrichment opportunities, and ensure they are supported by positive role models, safe spaces, and skill-building activities that foster long-term well-being.” 

The Girl Scout Outreach Program engages girls throughout the school year in areas like entrepreneurship and financial literacy, STEM, mental health and well-being, life skills, and outdoor education. Every session is fun and rooted in research-backed outcomes that help girls strengthen their sense of self, build healthy relationships, and develop the confidence to take on challenges and solve problems in their communities. 

The program is especially timely in the face of alarming youth mental health statistics. According to recent studies, girls are twice as likely as boys to experience poor mental health or depression, and one in three 10th grade girls in Illinois reports having experienced depression in the past year. 

“These numbers are sobering, but early and consistent support makes a difference,” said Sedbrook. “Our outreach program offers girls the tools, encouragement, and community they need to grow today—and thrive tomorrow.” 

Earthrise Energy’s funding will directly support programming to ensure that participation remains free for girls and partner schools like Danville’s Mark Denman Elementary School and Edison Elementary. Funding will also support staff travel and the salary of the Vermilion County Program Specialist, who serves as both a consistent adult mentor and the leader of this vital program. 

“Earthrise Energy is honored to support Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and their mission to expand opportunity and resilience for girls in our communities,” said Talya Tavor, Director of Community Engagement at Earthrise Energy. “Programs like this one are essential to creating healthier, more equitable futures for all young people.” 

Earthrise Energy’s RISE Grant program supports initiatives that strengthen communities through investments in education, mental health, and community development. Through this program, Earthrise has awarded nearly $2 million in grants to organizations across Illinois. Earthrise Energy’s grant program is fully funded through the company’s own profits as a Public Benefit LLC, reflecting the commitment to reinvesting in the communities it serves. Earthrise does not apply for, or receive, any government grant to support this program. 

Earthrise Energy, an independent power producer, owns and operates 1.7 gigawatts of natural gas generation capacity and is developing 1.5 gigawatts of solar projects in the Midwest, including two Gibson City projects now under construction.   

For more information about Earthrise Energy, visit: https://www.earthriseenergy.com 

For more information about Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, check out: www.getyourgirlpower.org