A recent independent study, conducted by Maureen R. Weiss, Ph.D., a leading expert on youth development, showed that the Girls On The Run program is highly effective at driving transformative and lasting change in the lives of third- to fifth-grade girls.

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based positive youth development (PYD) program that is designed to enhance girls’ social, psychological and physical skills and behaviors to successfully navigate life experiences. The program’s intentional curriculum places an emphasis on developing competence, confidence, connection, character, caring, and contribution in young girls through lessons that incorporate running and other physical activities.

The life skills curriculum is delivered by trained and caring coaches in a safe and inclusive environment.  It is the combination of the research-based curriculum, trained coaches and a commitment to serve all girls that sets Girls on the Run apart from other after-school programs.

The study uncovered that:

  • Girls on the Run participants were significantly more likely than girls in physical education or organized sports programs to learn and use life skills including managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others or making intentional decisions.
  • 97 percent of girls said they learned critical life skills at Girls on the Run that they are using at home, at school and with their friends
  • Girls who began the program with below-average scores significantly improved from pre- to post-season on all outcomes—competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring.  This shows that girls who need the program the most experience the greatest benefit.
  • Girls who were the least active before Girls on the Run increased their physical activity level by 40 percent from pre- to post-season and maintained this increased level beyond the program’s end.

“Girls on the Run participants scored higher in managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions than participants in organized sport or physical education,” said Weiss.  “Being able to generalize skills learned in the program to other situations such as at school or at home is a distinguishing feature of Girls on the Run compared to traditional youth sports and school PE, and suggests that the intentional life skills curriculum and coach-training program can serve as exemplars for other youth programs.”

“We receive countless letters from girls, parents and coaches about how our program changes lives,” said Elizabeth Kunz, chief executive officer of Girls on the Run. “The study findings reinforce these personal stories and validate our commitment to give every girl a chance to step up to the starting line of life with joy, health and confidence.”

To learn how you can empower the next generation of girls, visit girlsontherun.org/impact.

Photo courtesy Girls on the Run