The mission of Girls on the Run SE Suburban PA is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident through an intentional curriculum that creatively integrates running. Our organization is one of 210+ local Girls on the Run councils nationwide that implement the Girls on the Run program, a physical activity -based, positive youth development program for young girls in 3rd to 8th grade. 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 caring and competent coaches who are trained to teach lessons as intended. Girls on the Run uses running and other physical activities as a platform for teaching life skills and promoting holistic health outcomes for girls between the ages of 8-13. Throughout the course of a 10 week season, girls meet in small teams of 10-20 where they learn critical life skills such as how to manage emotions, help others, make intentional decisions, and resolve conflict that they use at home, at school, and with friends. These skills are taught through dynamic lessons and running activities where there is at least 30 minutes of physical activity. The program inspires girls to build lives of purpose and to make a meaningful contribution to community and society. This comes to life through a key element of the curricula when each team creates and executes a community service project. The season concludes with a celebratory 5K event. Completing a 5K gives the girls a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals. Since its inception in 2006, Girls on the Run Southeastern Suburban Pa has served over 8,500 girls. Growth has been exponential year upon year with potential of reaching thousands of additional girls in the future.