BRATTLEBORO — Girls on the Run Vermont is widely known throughout the state for its physical activity-based, positive youth-development program designed to empower local girls in grades 3 through 8.
A recent independent study conducted by Maureen R. Weiss, Ph.D., a leading expert on youth development, provides compelling evidence that Girls on the Run is highly effective at driving transformative and lasting change in the lives of young girls.
According to the study, girls who participate in the program develop and improve competence, feel confident in who they are, develop strength of character, respond to others and themselves with care, create positive connections with peers and adults, and make a meaningful contribution to community and society.
According to a news release, 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. In 2017, the National Afterschool Association selected Girls on the Run as one of the most influential programs in health and wellness.
Girls on the Run Vermont serves girls in 44 sites in Southern Vermont and is in need of 150 more coaches to ensure that every girl will have an opportunity to participate in their transformative program this spring.
Area schools in need of coaches include Academy, Green Street, and Oak Grove schools in Brattleboro, Bellows Falls Middle School, Dover Elementary, Grafton Elementary, The Grammar School in Putney, Hilltop Montessori in Brattleboro, Jamaica Village School, Leland & Gray, Marlboro Elementary, NewBrook Elementary, Saxtons River Elementary, St. Michael's Roman Catholic School in Brattleboro, Vernon Elementary, Wardsboro School, Westminster Center School, and Hinsdale (N.H.) Elementary.
Meeting twice a week for 90 minutes, volunteer coaches utilize the curriculum to engage small teams of girls in fun, interactive lessons. The program culminates with all teams in Southern Vermont participating in a celebratory 5K run on Saturday, May 12, in Brattleboro.
Volunteer coaches don't have to be runners but must complete a background check and participate in the Girls on the Run online and in-person training/workshop. This training qualifies for continuing education credits.