Program Description:

Girls on the Run is a nationwide after- school social/emotional learning program that is made accessible to all girls in grades 3-8 regardless of athletic ability and fitness level. It provides these girls with an opportunity to participate in a life-changing program and gain the confidence, self-esteem, knowledge and skills that they will need to make positive choices, develop healthy relationships and become effective leaders in the future.The grant from the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund was used to provide three teams of underserved girls in grades 3-8 from North County San Diego (for a total of 60 girls) with the opportunity to participate in a season of Girls on the Run. 

Results:

Covid-19 continued to provide challenges to GOTRSD in terms of both girl and coach recruitment. Constant changing public health guidelines made holding practices and events challenging, and many coaches were not yet comfortable returning to the program. GOTRSD mitigated this challenge by partnering with new schools and community organizations, such as housing communities, to reach more girls and coaches who may be interested in participating in the program. 

As a result, the grant from the RSFWF supported a total of three teams of girls from Fallbrook STEM Academy, Mary Fay Elementary and Beaumont Elementary. Program outcomes included: 97% of girls gained critical life skills through participation in Girls on the Run; 85% reported improvement in confidence, competence, caring, character, or connection; and girls who were the least active before participating in Girls on the Run increased their physical activity by more than 40%. 

Future Plans:

The community loves Girls on the Run! Families report improved relationships and behavior at home, and feedback from school faculty and administration indicates that Girls on the Run has a positive impact on every school community. GOTRSD plans to continue to grow the Girls on the Run program in the future, and reach as many girls in need as possible. GOTRSD maintains a diverse revenue base of individual donations, grants and corporate sponsorships to support program operations. Additionally, GOTRSD has a volunteer grant writing team in place, managed by a now full- time Fundraising and Development Manager, that is committed to identifying and securing new and increased sources of funding for the organization.