Girls on the Run Builds Confidence and Community Across Forsyth Schools

Earlier this month Forsyth County Schools put a spotlight on Girls on the Run, an after school program operating in district schools that combines physical activity with social emotional learning for elementary and middle school girls. The district piece described how staff and student participants bring the curriculum to life in classrooms and on tracks, and how each season builds toward a culminating community run that reinforces goal attainment and community support.

Program leaders in Forsyth tailor lessons to teach confidence, teamwork and goal setting alongside running drills and practice. Teachers and trained volunteers lead small groups so students can set personal goals and practice peer encouragement. The community run at the end of the season gives families and neighbors an opportunity to celebrate measurable progress in fitness and social skills.

Public health implications are significant. Regular moderate activity and structured social emotional learning are linked to better mental health and resilience in young people. For families in Forsyth County, the program offers an accessible entry point to improve physical activity levels while reinforcing skills that reduce anxiety and improve classroom behavior. Community runs also create low barrier spaces for family engagement and local cohesion.

The district spotlight also outlined ways families can enroll and how community members can volunteer to support local teams. Expanding access requires continued attention to practical barriers such as transportation, scheduling and the cost of participation. Funding and volunteer recruitment will determine whether the program reaches girls in low income neighborhoods and those who face the greatest obstacles to extracurricular participation.

As districts nationwide look to integrate health and social emotional support into schools, Girls on the Run in Forsyth County illustrates how athletics and structured social learning can work together. For parents and community members interested in enrollment or volunteering, contact your child s school or the district to learn about local team offerings and next steps. Strengthening those connections will be key to ensuring the program benefits all girls across the county.