State Sen. Brendan Crighton (3rd Essex District) secured $50,000 in the fiscal year 2026 state budget to support social-emotional learning and empowerment programs for girls in grades three through eight in his district.
The funding will help expand Girls on the Run programs in Swampscott, Lynn, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Nahant, and Saugus. The funding will provide scholarships for participants, coach training, and program materials.
“I’m proud to support the outstanding work that Girls on the Run Greater Boston does to invest in the social-emotional learning and growth of elementary and middle school girls so that they achieve their goals,” Crighton said. “Through this funding, Girls on the Run will be able to build upon their existing programming to reach more students and continue to make an incredible impact on the lives of these students.”
Girls on the Run helps girls in grades three through eight build joyful, healthy, and confident lives through a research-backed curriculum. Participants develop critical life skills and increase physical activity through discussions, games, and movement-based activities.
The program culminates with a celebratory 5K event, which highlights the goal-setting tools the girls learn throughout being a part of Girls on the Run. This past spring’s celebration was held on the Boston Common, and more than 150 girls from nine teams throughout Crighton’s district participated.
Girls on the Run serves over 4,000 girls throughout eastern Massachusetts each year.
“Sen. Crighton continues to be a champion for girls in his district, ensuring they can discover and activate their limitless potential. Through this program, participants grow more confident, become more physically active, and gain a new perspective on what is possible,“ said Cyndi Roy Gonzalez, the executive director of Girls on the Run Greater Boston. “We’re incredibly grateful for the Senator’s ongoing commitment at a critical time for girls today.”
The fall season of Girls on the Run begins the week of September 21. Those interested in registering their child or in coaching the program should reach out to the Girls on the Run Greater Boston staff for more information.
Registration can be found on the Girls on the Run Greater Boston website at girlsontherunboston.org.
Read the Swampscott Tides story here.