Causes: Children & Youth, Youth Development Programs

Mission: The mission of Girls on the Run-DC (GOTR-DC) is to provide preteen girls (grades 3-8) in Washington, DC, and Prince George's County with an innovative experiential learning program that pairs a proven character development curriculum with running instruction. The life skills curriculum equips girls with the information and empowerment they need to meet life’s pressing challenges: from peer pressure to bullying, body image to healthy relationships and healthy living. During each 10-week program (offered fall and spring) girls will develop and improve competence, build confidence in who they are, develop strength of character, respond to others and self with care and compassion, create positive connections with peers and adults, and make a meaningful contribution to community and society. The girls also set goals and challenge themselves physically as they prepare for a culminating 5K race, where the finish line is just the beginning.

Results: Nearly 2,200 girls became Girls on the Run in DC last year and learned they have limitless potential. The curriculum, which is written by educators, piloted, tested and rolled out across 225 councils encourages girls to make thoughtful decisions, improves their self-confidence, body image and increases their physical activity along with imparting life skills that can be applied now and into adulthood.

Target demographics: girls in 3rd - 8th grade learn to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that integrates running.

Direct beneficiaries per year: nearly 2,200 girls across all 8 wards of Washington, DC, and in Prince George's County, MD

Geographic areas served: Washington DC and Prince George's County, MD

Programs: the life skills curriculum which equips girls with the information and empowerment they need to meet life’s pressing challenges: from peer pressure to bullying, body image to healthy relationships and healthy living.