Kids Run Club Mini-Grant Program is Going Strong
Every fall and spring, Active SWV opens up the Kids Run Club Mini-Grant for schools and community groups throughout the state to receive funding and support. This fall was no exception, and Active SWV is excited to award the Mini-Grant to 29 schools and community groups throughout the state to start or continue their Kids Run Club this fall.
Fall 2025 Awardees
Congratulations to the following schools and community groups for receiving the Kids Run Club Mini-grant this season!
- Alum Creek Elementary
- Aurora School
- Berkeley Heights Elementary
- Bluefield Intermediate
- Bruceton School
- Clear Fork Elementary
- Chamberlain Elementary
- Driswood Elementary
- Dunbar Intermediate School
- Dunbar Primary School
- Gallaher Village Kids Run Club
- Highlawn Elementary
- Hilltop Elementary
- Hometown Elementary
- Hurricane Town Elementary
- Jumping Branch Elementary
- Kanawha City Elementary
- Kenna Elementary
- Lashmeet Matoaka Elementary
- Lewisburg Elementary
- Madison Elementary
- Melrose Elementary
- Montcalm Elementary
- Mountain Valley Elementary
- Oakvale Hike Club
- Richmond Elementary
- Stanaford Elementary
- Trap Hill Middle School
- Wildwood Middle School
Kids Run Club Champions
Thank you to the following organizations for supporting Active SWV Kids Run Clubs, and making the Mini-Grant program possible! ZMM Architects & Engineers, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and the Encova Foundation of West Virginia.
Kids Run Club Success
Active SWV is proud to have a program that positively impacts kids, schools, and communities throughout the state. Since the program began in 2015, we have reached over 100 schools and community groups, thousands of kids, and hundreds of volunteers.
Kids Run Club volunteer coaches note the positive impact the club has on kids. “[the Kids Run Club] has made my students more active and they seem to want to stay active”, says Kids Run Club coach Nathaniel Evans at Berlin McKinney Elementary. “They were really upset when my run club ended, so I believe they will keep being active throughout the summer.”
“The run club gets kids excited about running,” shared Kids Run Club coach and PE teacher Kara Vance. She leads two clubs, one at Alum Creek Elementary, and another at Kenna Elementary. “I watch kids grow during the program. Some evolve from mostly walkers to jogging a little, to becoming runners who will aim for one mile in our meetings. I watch runners go from running a mile in one meeting to two by the end of the club. Students go from sprinting the first lap and being winded the rest of the club on our first meeting to setting a pace that they can maintain for a long period of time. They are excited, learning, and getting healthier.”
Volunteer coaches also note the positive impact the clubs has on the culture of the school, giving teachers an opportunity to interact with kids in a different role, and for parents to get involved. “I definitely plan to volunteer again,” says Mandy White, Principal and coach at Aurora School. “I look forward to running club days as much as the kids do. As a principal it is an excellent opportunity for me to make connections and build relationships with students and families.”
“We have had this program for the past 3 years. Our program started with 12 students and has doubled. Our end of the year celebration is used to invite parents and families to actively participate with their child,” says volunteer coach Jacqueline Jackson at George Washington Elementary.
Spring Kids Run Club Mini-Grant, Coming Soon!
The spring cycle of the Mini-grant will open in mid-February to support schools and community groups starting or continuing clubs in March, April, and May. Learn more about the Mini-Grant and find the link to apply here.
KIDS RUN CLUB CHAMPIONS
Email Active SWV’s Development Director, Jenni, at info@activeswv.com to find out how to become the next Kids Run Club Champion!