Iehiaq Nelson, Amanda Collette and Andy Kucer
spoke to us
about a program for kids in Philadelphia and Camden called:
Students Run Philly Style is a Unique Program That Uses a Simple Approach to Fostering Resilience in Philadelphia and Camden Youth: A PAIR OF SNEAKERS AND A CARING ADULT
Students Run Philly Style transforms students’ lives through running and mentorship. They pair volunteer Running Leaders with teams of students to inspire them to push themselves further than they ever imagined.
Their goal: the completion of a full or a half marathon.The courage and effort required, the unfailing support of a caring mentor and the thrill of its ultimate achievement results in a student who knows anything is possible.
From March to November, students and mentors train together
for major area races such as the Blue Cross Broad Street Run and the
Philadelphia Marathon. Our students and
mentors gain so much more through this process than just increased
cardiovascular fitness. During the many
training runs that take place each year,
the opportunities for in-depth conversations are abound. Mentors learn about the trials and
tribulations in young people’s lives and assist them with finding solutions and
standing strong in the face of adversity.
Conversely, students get advice
on college and career planning as well as goal setting among other things while
having the undivided attention of a caring adult. Our resilience-based program
model focuses on developing the skills students need to be successful when
challenges arise — both in and out of the classroom and well into their adult
lives.
Students Run Philly Style serves 1,200 youth annually across
neighborhoods in Philadelphia and Camden. Our program model uses data and
evidence -based practices to better impact the youth in the program. A recent
2-year impact study of our program showed the following:
-41% of students increased their GPA
-99.5% of students were promoted to the next grade
-50% decreased their incidents of violent behavior
-80% increased or maintained high levels of self confidence
-91% of 12th grade students graduated high school
-90% of those graduates were accepted into a 4-year college
-Long-term results indicate a decrease in Body Mass Index
Event Support
Any Students Run Philly Style event would be incomplete without
the help of our volunteers!
Event volunteers help our students in a number of
ways. The majority of our events are races or training runs. Volunteers
can work at water stations, at start/finish lines or by biking a course.
In addition to having fun, you’ll witness firsthand the energy and excitement
of our students and feel good knowing you contributed to their success.
Volunteer as a group or as an individual.
Commitment
- One
day commitments, usually a weekend morning between March and November
- Respond
to email requests for volunteer opportunities as you are able
- Volunteer
once a year or 10 times a year!
Joe also told about the group resposible for the sculptures that have appeared around town. One of the most talked about was the 2 women on the bench at Tanner St. The group is the Haddonfield Outdoor Sculpture Trust (HOST). 
