Girls on the Run Minnesota

Every Girl Is Exceptional.

At Girls on the Run, we believe in the limitless potential of every girl. Our programs inspire participants to embrace their strengths, build resilience, and develop the skills they need to navigate life with confidence and compassion.

Today, youth are facing a worsening mental health crisis, with significant increases in anxiety, stress, fear, and isolation cited amongst girls. Independent studies have shown that by adolescence, girls’ confidence levels drop significantly. 9 out of 10 girls report they are under pressure to fit specific roles or stereotypes, while 88% of girls feel pressure to be pretty. Additionally, only 16% of girls meet the guideline of 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Physically inactive girls face a higher risk of negative health outcomes and have fewer opportunities to develop essential life skills.

It doesn't have to be this way. Through our intentional and research-based curriculum, Girls on the Run gives participants a safe place where they can flourish and nurture their physical, emotional, and mental health. With the world telling young girls who they should be, our community has an opportunity to encourage girls to discover who they are.

When we say Girls on the Run is for ALL girls, we mean it. We remain steadfast in our accessibility efforts and remove barriers to participation, financial and otherwise. The generous support of our community ensures scholarships and gear are distributed to any girl who needs them. During the 2025/26 season, we distributed more than $450,000 of financial aid and over 1,000 Project Gear Up Kits. Girls on the Run Minnesota centers the margins by intentionally reaching and uplifting girls who have been historically excluded from opportunities that support physical activity, social-emotional learning, and belonging. 

Next spring, Girls on the Run participants will learn to activate their Star Power through our curriculum called "Hello, Superstar!" which focuses on building confidence to be ourselves. A successful launch will include the comprehensive training of coaches so they can deliver the lessons in an engaging and culturally-responsible manner. Your donation will help with the process of recruiting, training, and supporting our dedicated coaches throughout the entire year.

More than breaking down cost barriers and having a fun place to go after school, this funding will have a lasting and important impact on the girls we serve.

• Girls who were the least active at the start of the season increased their physical activity level by 40% and maintained the increased level beyond the season's end.
• 95% of participants said because of participating in Girls on the Run, they are more confident.
• Girls on the Run participants score higher in managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions than participants in organized sports or physical education.

Girls on the Run participants read letters to their younger selves in this video by Shinebox.

How can you support Minnesota girls and help them grow stronger and glow brighter? With a gift to Girls on the Run Minnesota. 

Please give today, while your gift is matched. Thank you!