Founded in 2011, Finding Our Stride (FOS) provides free afterschool running programs at more than 30 schools across Vermont and New Hampshire. We partner with small, rural schools throughout the Upper Valley region engaging youth in building fitness, self-esteem and resilience, and deeper relationships with peers, mentors, and their communities. Teams practice twice per week for 60–90 minutes during both spring and fall seasons. Our programs, co-designed with teachers and school leaders at partner sites, create inclusive and welcoming environments for all youth. Enrollment in our afterschool programs is free, and our Sneaker Fund provides vouchers for free running shoes to ensure there are no barriers to entry. FOS provides stipends for our coach- mentors, nutritious snacks, and entry fees and support for end-of-season events and community engagement activities. In 2024, more than 100 coach-mentors, 80% of whom are faculty and staff at partner sites, served more than 1200 student-runners.

Finding Our Stride

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