Empowering Upper Valley youth through free afterschool running programs, Finding Our Stride boosts fitness, self-esteem and resilience, and connects kids to peers, mentors and community.

1:7

COACH TO RUNNER RATIO

1000+

VERMONT AND NEW HAMPSHIRE YOUTH SERVED ANNUALLY

$206K

RAISED FOR LOCAL NON-PROFITS SINCE 2016

87%

OF RUNNERS CONTINUE TO RUN POST-SEASON

Our Work

Finding Our Stride is a completely free afterschool running program that offers guided workouts 2 - 3 times per week, led by volunteers and coaches receiving modest stipends. Students are provided healthy snacks, transportation, running shoes when needed, team t-shirts, and registration fees for an end of the season running event.

We serve elementary and middle schools in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire where more than 30% of students receive free and reduced-price lunch. We work with each school to design a program that is right for them, at no cost to schools or families.

Donate

Where We Work

Fitness

We believe in the power of fitness to empower youth, regardless of their background or experience level. Our programs prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and individual growth, providing a welcoming space for children to explore the joy of movement and develop lifelong habits of physical activity.

Learn More
Social-Emotional Learning

FOS is a microcosm of the classroom for our coaches, 80% of whom are educators. Practice time provides increased connection that builds student confidence and resilience in and out of the classroom. Our SEL curriculum is grounded in positive psychology’s research on character and relationships

Learn More
Community Engagement

Each season, teams and runners contribute meaningfully to their communities. This helps youth to foster self-esteem and resilience; build a sense of purpose and belonging; and develop a sense of agency and pride. Since 2016, FOS teams have raised more than $206,000 for Upper Valley non-profits.

Learn More

"We put on a one-mile run and the whole school came together to cheer on our team. What a sense of pride and confidence that encouraged! One third grade boy ran up to me as he finished the first mile that he ever accomplished. His face was flushed and he had a great big smile on his sweaty face. He stopped, raised his arms and yelled, 'That is the best thing I ever did!'"

– Coach
"It is such a pleasure and joy to see the growth our runners have each and every season. They push themselves and take risks and hopefully that translates into the classroom."

–Coach
"When our daughter would come home each afternoon she would glow with excitement about her achievements that day."

–Parent
"Everyone who joined our team, whether it was for the 1st time or a returning team member, they all left the program as part of the FOS family."

–Coach
"I saw my son’s confidence grow exponentially."

–Parent
“Finding Our Stride is much more than a running program. It allows students to feel connected, be physically active and create friendships. It gives students a safe place to have fun with peers that is not technology-related. It teaches students how running can be a great form of self-care and stress relief, not only now but in the future.”

– Coach