A new Ohio law opens the door for Scouting America to share its programs with students in public and charter schools across the state. For more than a century, Scouting has helped young people throughout Ohio build the confidence, character, and skills that last a lifetime — and now more students than ever can discover what Scouting has to offer, right in their own schools.
Ohio's Senate Bill 19 allows patriotic youth organizations — those chartered under Title 36 of the United States Code — to share information about their programs directly with students in the state's public and charter schools. Under the law, schools are required to provide at least one opportunity each school year for these organizations to connect with students. Signed by Governor DeWine in June 2026 as part of the 136th General Assembly's education legislation, Senate Bill 19 takes effect September 23, 2026.
Schools and districts remain firmly in control. Each school decides the time, place, manner, and length of that opportunity, so it fits the school's schedule and never disrupts instructional time. In practice, the law simply ensures that every eligible student has a consistent, reliable chance to learn about the leadership, service, and character-building opportunities that Scouting and similar organizations provide.
Scouting America in Ohio is grateful to the members of the Ohio House and Senate, to Governor Mike DeWine, to bill sponsor State Senator Andrew Brenner, and to the advocates who championed this legislation. Their bipartisan support reflects a shared belief that Ohio's students deserve access to programs that prepare them to lead, to serve, and to succeed.
Scouting is one of the most effective youth development programs in the nation, and its impact is both measurable and lasting. Through hands-on, real-world experiences, Scouting builds the leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills that Ohio's classrooms work to develop every day.
Across more than 135 merit badge and skill areas — spanning STEM, communication, civics, financial literacy, and dozens of career fields, from cybersecurity and engineering to public health and entrepreneurship — Scouting gives young people practical ways to apply classroom lessons and explore future careers.
By turning lessons into real-world skills, Scouting helps build a more prepared, future-ready workforce for Ohio, developing the leadership and teamwork that employers value.
Each year, Scouts across Ohio contribute hundreds of thousands of hours of community service, conservation work, and Eagle Scout projects. The new law lets more young people — regardless of background or ZIP code — experience all that Scouting offers.
We know your time and your students' time are precious, and our goal is to be a simple, respectful, and helpful partner. Under the law, Scouting's outreach is limited to one opportunity per school year, scheduled by your district, and your school retains full control over the time, place, and manner. Participation is always at no cost to your school, and every adult who interacts with students completes Scouting America's Youth Protection training and background screening — our rigorous, nationally consistent safety standard.
More than anything, we want to listen. The Scouting America council serving your area would welcome the chance to learn about your district's goals and to explore how Scouting can help advance them — whether that means strengthening leadership development, supporting career readiness, or expanding service learning for your students. This is a partnership, and your priorities come first.
When you are ready, the council serving your community will be glad to start the conversation on your terms. You can find and contact your local council using the directory below.
The Ohio General Assembly passed Senate Bill 19, a law that allows patriotic organizations like Scouting America to partner with Ohio's public and charter schools and share information about their programs with students. Scouting America in Ohio is grateful to the Ohio legislature, Governor DeWine, bill sponsor State Senator Andrew Brenner, and the advocates who made this opportunity possible.
Ohio public and charter schools are required to give patriotic youth organizations chartered under Title 36 of the U.S. Code — including Scouting America, the Girl Scouts, 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and the Civil Air Patrol — at least one opportunity each school year to share information directly with students. Schools retain full control over the time, place, manner, and length so it does not disrupt instructional time.
Scouting can partner with schools to make sure more young people learn what Scouting offers — youth leadership training, a strong connection to school curriculum, and preparation for the workforce of tomorrow. More students will discover that Scouting is available to them, helping ensure no young person misses out simply because they never heard about it.
Scouting reinforces classroom learning. Through more than 135 merit badge and skill areas — in STEM, communication, civics, financial literacy, and career fields — Scouting gives students hands-on ways to apply what they learn in school, build leadership, and explore careers.
Schools remain in control. Outreach is limited to one opportunity per school year, and each district decides the timing so it does not disrupt core instructional time. The council serving your area will coordinate respectfully with school administrators and follow their lead on the time, place, and manner.
Absolutely. We want to learn from Ohio's superintendents, principals, and school leaders about their district's goals — and to explore how Scouting can help make those goals a reality, whether through leadership development, career readiness, or service learning. This is a partnership, and listening comes first.
No. Scouting America's programs, values, and safety standards remain exactly the same. What changes is access — the ability to partner with schools and reach more students with information about how to get involved.
Senate Bill 19 applies to patriotic youth organizations chartered under Title 36 of the United States Code — a group that includes Scouting America, the Girl Scouts, 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and the Civil Air Patrol.
Yes. Scouting America holds itself to the highest standards of youth safety. Every adult who interacts with students completes Scouting America's Youth Protection training and background screening — a standard that applies in every setting, including schools.
No. Partnership is designed to be at no cost to schools. In fact, through programs like ScoutReach, Scouting is delivered at little to no cost to youth in underserved communities.
Families can learn more and find a local pack, troop, or crew by contacting the Scouting America council that serves their community. Use the council directory on this page to get started.
For questions about Scouting in your community, reach out to the council serving your area using the directory below. For media or statewide partnership inquiries, contact the statewide team.
Scouting America serves families in every part of Ohio through a network of local councils, each responsible for delivering Scouting programs in its region. The map below shows the area each council serves; use the directory to find and connect with the council nearest you.
The following materials are available for councils, schools, and families to use and share. They will be posted here as downloadable files.
A one-page overview of the law and what it means for schools and families.
An editable letter councils can send to superintendents and administrators.
↓ Download PDFEmail, letter, phone, and in-person scripts for Scouting professionals.
↓ Download PDFLogos and guidance for consistent, statewide messaging.
Scouting is delivered locally, so the best next step is to connect with the council serving your community. Whether you are a school leader, a family, a volunteer, or a member of the media, your local council can help. For media inquiries or statewide partnership questions, contact the statewide team.
Find Your Local Council