Running & Reading Club+
Fitness | Literacy | Social-Emotional Learning
Many school-based after-school initiatives prioritize custodial care over developmental enrichment, leaving a gap in learning and well-being support. In contrast, the Running & Reading Club+ evidence-based curriculum integrates physical, mental and academic wellness as an essential equity infrastructure for children facing barriers.
The Running & Reading Club+ (also referred to as “R&R Club+”) is Start2Finish's flagship after-school learning program — a preventative, evidence-based program proven to holistically address mental health, physical activity, and literacy gaps among equity-deserving children in grades 1–6.
Running from October to June, three sessions per week (in-person and online), the R&R Club+ operates in partnership with schools nationwide. Through a world-class 32-week holistic well-being curriculum, the program builds self-esteem and self-efficacy while nurturing children's physical, mental, social-emotional, and academic development.
Our Evidence-Based Curriculum:
Fitness
Regular movement reduces stress and activates “feel good” endorphins, building physical stamina, improving cognitive function, fostering confidence, and giving children a sense of accomplishment they carry into every other part of their lives
Social-Emotional Learning
Structured social-emotional learning (SEL) activities teach children how to regulate emotions, overcome challenges, manage conflict and build friendships, skills that help them navigate challenges both in and out of the classroom
Culturally Relevant Reading Activities
When children see themselves and their communities reflected in what they read, they develop a greater enjoy-ment of reading, engage more deeply with literacy, and build the confidence to see themselves as capable readers.
A Nutritious Snack
A healthy snack — which for many participants is the only healthy nutrition they receive that day — fuels children's bodies and brains after exercise, helping them stay focused and ready to learn for the rest of the program.
Year-End Championship
Every year, the program culminates in a championship event where Running & Reading Club+ participants come together from all of the clubs regionally to accomplish the goals they’ve been working toward all year:
Running a 5 km race
Competing in a jeopardy-style reading challenge
This event is a celebration of participants’ accomplishments, both individually and as a team, and gives them the opportunity to celebrate together with their peers, volunteer coaches, parents/caregivers, and the community.
