Studies show that girls who play sports have higher self-confidence, a better body image and are less likely to engage in risky behavior. But girls continue to participate in sports at lower rates than their male counterparts. And for girls in struggling communities, the numbers are even lower.

That’s why we place a special emphasis on recruiting female coaches to act as role models and help after-school programs create girls sports programs, especially in poorer neighborhoods. We work hard to ensure that all kids, regardless of race, gender or income, have a chance to grow up safe, healthy and ready to learn.

And this is just one way we are making a difference.

Our Active Day, Healthy Life Campaign aims to ensure that all children, despite where they live, have access to 60 minutes of physical activity each and every day. This campaign, funded in part by The California Endowment, focuses on changing the way we talk about physical activity in our schools, training staff, recruiting volunteers and creating strong partnerships. Contact us to learn how your school or district can be an Active Day, Healthy Life site and a part of changing the game for kids.

And through a partnership with the California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance Coalition we work to protect Proposition 49 funding for after-school programs in low-income communities across the state.