Based at DC middle and high schools, Teens Run matches low-income youth with mentors who challenge and guide them both in school and in after-school programs throughout the academic year. Within this supportive community they train for progressively longer races and participate in a social and emotional learning curriculum: responsibility, discipline, perseverance, and goal-setting are key. They improve cardiovascular capacity and overall health and, importantly, gain the confidence, resilience, and life skills they need to succeed, often in the face of significant challenges. By year's end, students have formed strong bonds with their mentors and teammates, participated in monthly, community-wide social activities or volunteer opportunities, and, impressively, completed up to six distance races (some even run marathons!). You can help these young people continue to make great strides - on the roads - and in their lives.
COVID-19 Update:
In response to the pandemic, Teens Run DC coaches have implemented a new, condensed virtual version of the TRDC in-person curriculum. This curriculum still consists of the Physical Activity and SEL (social- emotional learning) sessions, but also includes an additional session for tutoring. The number of programs per school is based on availability in the schools' schedules.
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