The 2023 Girls Index by Ruling Our Experiences reveals a concerning reality: more and more girls are struggling with sadness, with reports of depression among 5th graders tripling since 2017. Eight in ten girls say they feel under such intense pressure that they might “explode,” while nine in ten feel pushed to conform to specific roles or stereotypes.

Since 2000, Girls on the Run Georgia has been addressing these challenges head-on. Our high-quality out-of-school-time programs use physical activity as a foundation for social-emotional learning and are grounded in the principles of positive youth development. Through intentional curriculum, trained coaches, a caring environment, and supportive relationships, girls engage in fun lessons that combine discussion, games, and running to build life skills and confidence. Each season culminates in a celebratory 5K, a powerful metaphor for setting goals, building resilience, and celebrating individual strengths.

To date, nearly 50,000 girls across Athens, Greater Atlanta, the Golden Isles, and North Georgia have completed our research-based programs. Serving 13 counties—including Cherokee, Clarke, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Oconee, and White—we are equipping the next generation of confident, compassionate leaders with the skills to navigate life’s challenges and promote positive health outcomes at a time when youth mental health support is more critical than ever.

Girls on the Run Georgia

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