Students Run LA

(Pariticipating in SRLA) helped me relaize that passing a class is important, but more importantly (is) actually learning what the teacher was teaching us and figure out for myself how to apply it in life to benefit me.
Alfredo, Garfield HS

About SRLA

Mission Statement

The mission of Students Run L.A. is to challenge at-risk secondary students to experience the benefits of goal-setting, character development, adult mentoring and improved health by providing them with a truly life-changing experience: The training for and completion of The City of Los Angeles Marathon.

History

A continuation high school teacher in East Los Angeles, Harry Shabazian, finished the first LA Marathon in 1986, and felt transformed. He then challenged his students, who were in trouble or headed for it, to train with him and change their lives. These young people, labeled misfits and under-achievers, not only finished the marathon, but also finished high school and went to college and jobs. Soon after, Harry was joined by two other teachers, Eric Spears and Paul Trapani, who shared his vision and together founded Students Run L.A. Established in 1989, SRLA has successfully carried out the same teacher-led training program since then, with more than 90% of the young people who attempt The City of Los Angeles Marathon each year completing the entire 26.2-mile course.

Students Run L.A. is a physical fitness and mentoring program. While running is the core activity of the program, SRLA students learn discipline, perseverance, and how to set and achieve goals. These lessons translate directly into their education: SRLA students enjoy school, stay in school and graduate at a higher rate than do their peers.

To carry out the mission, SRLA has four key objectives:

To provide teacher mentors who assist students in their training and who reinforce the lessons of responsibility, discipline and goal-setting;

To support students in tackling a supremely difficult goal, to break down their mental barriers to this goal, and to create "can do" attitudes;

To create an opportunity for students of all ethnic groups, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds to meet one another and experience an important sense of belonging; and

To offer a program in which all students are welcome, all have the same chance to achieve the goal, and all become winners.

For many of the students, training for a marathon represents the first time that they have committed to a specific goal. By providing them an opportunity for incremental accomplishment and a supportive environment to help them on their way, SRLA gives the students the inspiration, excitement and encouragement to accomplish their goal.

Current Demographics

During 2006-07, more than 3300 students participated in Students Run L.A. These students were 11 to 19 years of age, with the majority being high school students, ages 14 to 18. The students make up a diverse group: 54% are male and 46% are female; and approximately 70% are Latino; 15% are White; 8% are Asian; 4% are Black; and 3% are Pacific Islander, Native American, or other ethnic backgrounds.

Impact of SRLA

The need for Students Run L.A. arises from the facts that young people in Southern California are increasingly overweight and inactive, are dropping out of high school, and are at risk of juvenile crime.

SRLA stands out as a solution to these problems by providing youth the opportunity to create life-long habits of running and staying fit, to connect with their teachers and their schools and increase their chances of finishing high school, and to be involved in supervised after-school activities.

The students themselves best explain the impact that SRLA has had on their lives.

"Thanks to Students Run L.A., I am in better shape than I ever was and have learned to love running.” (Jesus at Venice High School)
“This program has taught me that I can do anything that I set my mind to and (I was) able to continue to keep my grades up” (Jorge at Lincoln High School)
“(R)unning keeps me away from drugs, alcohol, gangs, etc…Students Run L.A. is an excellent program for different students in Los Angeles.” (Zulema at Foshay Learning Center)
“I would like to thank all the coaches for never leaving a student behind.” (Maria at Montebello High School)

SRLA Scholarship Program

An important component of the Students Run L.A. experience is the scholarship program. This initiative provides scholarship awards to graduating seniors who have completed the Marathon with SRLA. The money may be used for their college tuition and expenses. Students fill out an application describing themselves, their experience with SRLA, their experience in school, and their need for financial assistance. Applicants are evaluated on their grades, essays, financial need, and participation in SRLA and the marathon. In June 2006, SRLA awarded 120 scholarships.

“Most of all, the program has taught me to continue getting my education because,
like the marathon, your education goes for 26.2 miles.”
Jonathan, Dorsey HS