We are a local non profit offering an after school program to girls in third through fifth grade. Our program is curriculum based and runs for 10 weeks and we finish our program with participation in a local 5 kilometer (3.1 miles) running event. Each program is staffed by two to four coaches and is offered to 15-18 girls per season. We charge a nominal fee but at many of our schools most of the girls are on full scholarship. We fund raise through out the community to be able to do this. We never turn a girl down because she cannot meet our modest registration fee.

A program that runs 10 weeks allows for the development of relationships with the girls, their peers and with the coaches. We are connected to a national organization and there are longitudinal studies that show that girls that participate in Girls on the Run develop a strong sense of character, confidence, compassion, caring and connection. The studies have also shown that the life skills learned through our curriculum were sustained after the completion of the program.

To set and reach a goal with the completion of a running race the girls in this program show increased confidence. We have had a greater than 95% completion of the 5 kilometer race of the girls that come to the final event.

On the local level we are a small organization. We are our own independent council and have formed our own 501(c)3. We would love to have you purchase our required race day t shirts. Our program begins in March and culminates with the Santa Fe Striders Run Around which occurs on the Historic Santa Fe Plaza. Each girl receives a race t shirt and a race medal. We have a strong relationship with the local running club and they do not charge us an entry fee for the race. We would choose to have you supply the race day t shirts for the girls.