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.

[4] In 2016, an independent study conducted by Maureen Weiss, Ph.D., University of Minnesota[5] provided strong evidence that Girls on the Run is effective in promoting positive youth development, including season-long and lasting change in competence, confidence, connection, character, caring, physical activity, and life skills.

A summary report gives an overview of findings,[6] and two peer-reviewed articles published in Pediatric Exercise Science [7][8] detail the methods, results and demonstrated impact of Girls on the Run in positively influencing life skills learning, social and emotional development, and healthy behaviors.

Leading experts in positive youth development create structured and dynamic lessons that use running and other physical activities to promote and support healthy outcomes for girls.

As girls mature from childhood to adolescence, levels of physical activity decline and risk for unhealthy outcomes like obesity, diabetes and depression may occur in the short and long term.

[citation needed] Heart & Sole creates a positive, structured space for middle school girls to learn about themselves, explore new ideas, cultivate empathy, strengthen connections, and develop life skills that will help them as they move through adolescence and beyond.

[citation needed] This program is accessible to all girls regardless of athletic ability or fitness level and considers the range of ages and varied experiences of middle schoolers.

during this out-of-school time program, girls enjoy building friendships in a fun and inclusive setting that includes interactive games, being physically active, and expressing creativity through arts and crafts and storytelling.

[citation needed] Camp GOTR is designed to address the physical, social and emotional development of girls of all abilities through fun and engaging lessons.

Using an intentional curriculum that incorporates small and large group games, physical activity, interactive workshops, and individual reflection, girls learn valuable skills to help them build meaningful and positive connections with others.

[citation needed] In 2016, an independent study conducted by Dr. Maureen Weiss and her research team[14] evaluated the impact of Girls on the Run on positive youth development.