Students Run Philly Style - Ieshia Nelson

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!