As girls grow up, many face increasing social pressures and mental health challenges. By middle school, many girls report feeling discouraged by societal expectations related to appearance, ability and belonging.
Programs supported by the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH) aim to counter those trends by building confidence and resilience early. One example is Girls on the Run’s Heart & Sole program, designed for girls in grades 6 through 8, which focuses on developing the whole person, body, brain, heart and spirit, in a supportive, noncompetitive environment.
“The program really has a good formula for matching up middle school girls with supportive adults who help build a community for these girls and are helping them develop as critical thinkers,” said Linda Hall, director of the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health.
Girls on the Run also serve younger students in grades 3 through 5 across numerous Wisconsin counties, including Door and Kewaunee.
Heart & Sole is a nine-week after-school program offered in the fall and spring. Participants complete 16 lessons covering goal setting, emotional management, empathy, friendships and how to ask for help. Sessions combine discussion, journaling, interactive activities and physical movement, culminating in a celebratory 5K that gives participants a tangible goal and sense of accomplishment.
“What we like about these programs is that they are doing the right thing for young girls and giving them a healthy and mindful pathway to better mental health,” Hall said.
Survey results from Wisconsin participants show measurable impact. Ninety-two percent of girls reported enjoying physical activity after completing the program. Confidence also improved, with 92 percent of participants saying they felt more confident.
Hall says “the inclusive approach provides a good, positive alternative to competitive sports by focusing on socialization, self-care, and personal growth.”
Hall says Heart & Sole equips middle school girls with lifelong skills to manage stress, build healthy relationships and believe in their inner strength.
