Youth Run NOLA

Youth Run NOLA is an after-school, youth development program for at-risk middle and high school students in the Greater New Orleans region. We use running as a medium to empower youth for success in the classroom, in the community, and beyond.

The program combats the obstacles facing our youth — many of whom cope with unsafe, unhealthy, and unsupportive circumstances — with positive, structued after school engagement.

Over an intensive 8-month training calendar, Youth Run NOLA serves 11-18 year olds in St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes. Participants are guided by teacher-coaches at school-based chapters and volunteer running buddies at monthly events. Twice a week after school, students arrive at their school running sites prepared for a demanding practice routine aligned with objectives, as well as on-going dialogue about and application of life-skills, goal-setting and leadership training. Once a month, from September to April, our students participate in a community race — accomplishing something exceptional every time they crossed the finish line.