New Curriculum for 2024 Season
Vermont Business Magazine Girls on the Run Vermont (GOTRVT), a statewide nonprofit organization for girls in 3rd-8th grade, has announced the launch of the
This year’s Scholarship Awards, designed in celebration of the organization’s 25th anniversary, will be presented to two GOTRVT alumni in the amount of $2,500 each, renewable for up to three years, up to $10,000 total each.
The application, which details the parameters for qualification, will go live on
“We are grateful to all GOTRVT constituents who have collectively enabled us to serve over 38,000 girls and their families across Vermont since 1999,” Rachel Desautels, executive director of Girls on the Run Vermont, said. “This scholarship is designed to financially support two former GOTRVT participants who are role models in their communities and exemplify their limitless potential as they pursue post-secondary education dreams.”
The Rick Hashagen Limitless Potential Scholarship Awards, named in honor of one of Girls on the Run Vermont’s original board members, and long-time treasurer, Rick Hashagen, were introduced during the 2023 season. Two former participants of the program, both of whom went on to become junior coaches in high school, were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship to put toward continuing their education.
As part of the ongoing 25th anniversary celebrations, this year’s award amounts will significantly increase thanks to funding from the GOTRVT board-directed investment fund, and in partnership with decade-long sponsor, M&T Bank.
“Girls on the Run has always been an important part of our philanthropy in the community,” Kathy Schirling, Vice President, Divisional Community Involvement Manager, M&T Bank, said. “At M&T Bank, we understand the value of the GOTR program, helping girls increase their self-confidence, develop healthy strong relationships and so much more.”
Girls on the Run Vermont also announced that this season will introduce a newly updated curriculum for coaches to guide and facilitate lessons for their teams. The 10-week season will again feature 20 self-esteem building lessons for girls in 3rd-5th grade.
All lessons are curated to build life skills around timely and age-appropriate topics such as managing emotions, positive self-talk, navigating friendships, and more. The new curriculum was made possible by funding from GOTRVT’s statewide sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont.
“Blue Cross is proud to support GOTRVT – a program that continues to have a huge impact on the lives of girls and young women across the state,” Megan Peek, Director, Community Relations and Health Promotion, BCBSVT, said. “Happy 25th anniversary to GOTRVT!”.
Over 600 volunteer coaches will facilitate lessons to approximately 1,800 - 2,000 girls this spring. Participation as a coach will make a lasting impact on the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of young girls as they face societal pressures and a particularly vulnerable part of childhood. GOTR recognizes the power of positivity and appreciates the time dedicated as a coach to mentor Vermont girls.
Molly Gray, former Lieutenant Governor of Vermont, was on hand to make remarks in support of the work of Girls on the Run Vermont and to express gratitude to the coaches for their dedication of time and energy to the young girls in their communities.
There is still time to register as a coach for this empowering program and coaches will have the opportunity to be trained via a virtual training that will be held on March 9th.. Program registration for participants attending the Essex 5K opens on February 21st and for those attending the Manchester 5K on February 28th.
The season will kick off the week of March 18th statewide.
GOTRVT has served over 38,000 girls statewide since its inception in 1999. The organization looks forward to celebrating the mission with the greater GOTRVT community as it turns 25, and will culminate the season with two 5K events, one at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex on Saturday, June 1st and the other at Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park in Manchester on Saturday, June 8th. GOTRVT will also host their annual fundraiser, the Sneaker Soiree, this October in Burlington.
To learn more, visit https://www.gotrvt.org/ or email [email protected].
About Girls on the Run Vermont
Girls on the Run Vermont is an independent and 501 (c)(3) recognized council of Girls on the Run International (GOTRI), which has a network of 175 councils across the United States. Since 1999, Girls on the Run Vermont has empowered approximately 38,000 Vermont girls grades 3-8 to develop physical, emotional, and social well-being through a 10 week after school program held at over 110 sites statewide. Its mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a research-based curriculum that addresses developmentally appropriate life skills and creatively integrates running, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Find out more at gotrvt.org.
Source: WILLISTON, Vermont (Feb. 12, 2024) - Girls on the Run Vermont
