Girls on the Run Central Maryland (GOTR CEN  MD) is proud to be selected for a Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) grant from Howard County for fiscal year 2026. Howard County’s YEP Grants promote youth activities and engagement in Howard County through free, accessible, and supportive programming developed by nonprofit and community organizations. The goal of these grants is to provide community organizations with the resources to develop programs for young people in Howard County that are offered outside of traditional school hours. Programs will focus on social-emotional learning, mental health and wellness, and activities for young people. 

Launched by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in 2023, the YEP! initiative aims to build avenues for young people to become more connected to their families, friends, and mentors. The goal of these new programs and efforts is to provide our young people with expanded opportunities to be more active and engaged with their peers, and to ensure a safe, supportive, and nurturing community.

YEP! grants are intended to provide nonprofit community organizations with resources to establish programming and engagement opportunities for young people in Howard County. YEP! grants will provide community partners with the opportunity to enhance or develop programming during the times when young people need the engagement most.

GOTR CEN MD serves girls in 3rd through 8th grade, and we are deeply committed to ensuring that every participant can access our program, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

Our organization believes that all girls across every economic background deserve the opportunity to benefit from the social‑emotional learning, mentorship, and physical activity that GOTR provides. By removing financial barriers and offering robust scholarship support, we ensure that girls can fully participate, build confidence, strengthen emotional resilience, and experience the joy of achieving personal goals in a supportive, inclusive environment.

More about our programs click here!