Girls On The Run Of The Greater Chesapeake

Results: Over 12,000 girls' lives have been transformed by the GOTRGC program in our area, and we strive to provide access to all girls, regardless of their financial situation. An independent study, led by Dr. Maureen Weiss, an expert in positive youth development, found that Girls on the Run's intentional life skills curriculum and highly trained coaches positively impact girls' lives by helping them increase their self-confidence, develop healthy relationships and feel good about themselves. 85% of the girls improved in confidence, competence, caring, character, or connection to others; 97% of girls said they learned critical life skills such as managing emotions, helping others, making intentional decisions, and resolving conflict; and girls who were least active at the start increased physical activity by more than 40%. (www.gotrchesapake.org/our-impact)

Target demographics: Girls in 3rd - 8th grades build their self-worth and help them feel greater confidence in who they are, gain awareness of the power they possess to make intentional decisions, to choose positive actions, and to create positive connections with parents, their peers, teachers, and their communities.

Direct beneficiaries per year: Nearly 1,800 girls' lives were changed through the character development program last year. Our vision is to reach over 2,600 girls a year by 2021 with the support of our volunteers, community and corporate partners, funders and families.

Geographic areas served: Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert County, Queen Anne's County, Talbot County

Programs: Girls on the Run inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small groups of girls through the research-based curricula which teaches girls social, emotional and physical well-being. Over the course of the ten-week program, offered in both fall and spring, girls develop essential life skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event where the finish line is just the beginning.