SPRINGFIELD – Girls on the Run is growing their local operations in Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke after receiving a $100,000 grant from Health New England on Oct. 20.

Founded in 1996, Girls on the Run is a nationwide program that promotes life skills and empowerment for its participants. Director of the Western Massachusetts Council Alison Berman explained that the program allows the youth to believe in themselves as they train for a 5K race at the end of the season. “The kids learn a new language to express themselves with,” said Berman.

Berman said Girls on the Run offers a 20-lesson curriculum during their fall and spring seasons, with each lesson stressing a different theme to improve participant’s emotional understanding. During the grant receivership day, which fittingly occurred on National Confidence Day, the members learned about the importance of empathy. The lesson incorporated important tools for the girls to consider in their day-to-day life, including the HEART acronym that encourages members to hear, empathize, apologize, respond and thank. During each season, participants train toward completing a 5K while also collaborating on a community impact project, according to Berman.

While running is a part of the curriculum, Berman said the 5K goal is not a competitive pursuit for members. Instead, the outdoor practice allows kids to support one another as they build toward the 5K race. The council director also shared that the race isn’t just for the members, as it encourages families and patrons to race or cheer along as the girls complete their goal. “When the crowd is cheering them on, it makes the girls feel like superstars,” said Berman.

Most of the Girls on the Run coaches are teachers by day who volunteer after school, including one of Springfield’s coaches Debra Ezold. The Grade 2 and Grade 3 ELA teacher said the emotion-based curriculum gives young girls a chance to develop greater life skills. “There’s so much rigor in schools around academics, this program allows for proactive social and emotional skill building,” said Ezold.

Health New England Health Program Specialist Julia Wilkins explained that Girls on the Run was an important program to support because it builds self-esteem and emotional health during a critical time in adolescence. “[Girls on the Run] is not only focused on kids, but it also builds confidence for when they become adults,” said Wilkins. The two-year grant will double the number of Girls on the Run programs across local communities. Berman said it will also allow the organization to implement their scaling registration fee to create an inclusive environment that welcomes all to participate.

The Springfield Girls on the Run chapter is preparing for their 5K race on Nov. 14 at Ashley Reservoir. Berman encourages the community to support the girls during their end of season event. Readers interested in learning more or signing up to join Girls on the Run for their spring season can go to https://www.girlsontherun.org/.