Girls on the Run New Jersey East

Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)3 transformative positive youth development program which combines an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and healthy lifestyles girls in grade 3-8. Our core curriculum addresses many aspects of girls’ development – their physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. Lessons provide girls with the tools to make positive decisions and to avoid risky adolescent behaviors. The objective of Girls on the Run® is to educate and empower girls at an early age in order to prevent the display of at-risk activities in the future. At risk activities include substance/alcohol use, eating disorders, early onset of sexual activity, sedentary lifestyle, depression, suicide attempts and confrontations with the juvenile justice system. We train and support a network of coaching sites in Union, Essex, Mercer, Burlington, and Morris counties with local volunteers. The volunteers serve as role models to the girls through coaching the 10-week, 20 lesson curricula in the fall and spring. The curriculum is delivered in these areas through after-school programs, recreation centers, and other non-profit settings. Mission: We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Vision: We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.