Here’s something pretty cool we’ve noticed: many of our amazing volunteer tutors are also part of Austin’s local running community. They bring the same dedication, resilience, and cheerful energy to their weekly tutoring sessions that they do to their morning Townlake runs. So what better way to combine these two passionate communities than with our very first run/walkathon!
“Our volunteers show up week after week, and that consistency is transformative,” says Erin Hudson, our Board President who also happens to be a dedicated runner. “This runathon is a way for anyone, runner or not, to step up and support that mission.” Austin’s Rogue Running has already shown their incredible connection and inspiration by creating a team to support our students. These folks understand what we know about our students – that reaching any finish line takes consistency, and small steps adding up to big progress.
Students Setting Their Own Finish Lines
Speaking of goals, our students have been sharing theirs, and honestly, they’re pretty inspiring:
“I want to graduate high school this year.”
“Pass my classes so I can participate in the school volleyball team.”
“To pass my classes and run track.”
“Pass 8th grade and move on to high school so I can be in colorguard.”
“I want to get caught up and be able to read on my level.”
“Improve my self-esteem and friendship with others.”
These are students’ dreams about belonging, participating, and moving forward. But here’s the reality: In Texas, more than 11,000 children are in foster care, and 72% are behind in grade level. Without intervention, 25% of foster youth age out into homelessness. The statistics are heartbreaking, but the solution is beautifully simple: consistent, caring adults who show up.
And it’s working. Just last month, one of our tutors shared: “My 7th grade student was able to move ahead to subtraction after conquering addition. This is a major milestone.” These moments – a student finally grasping a concept, gaining confidence, taking that next academic step – this is what your steps will support!
How Your Miles Make a Difference
Our Steps for Students runathon runs from September 19 through October 19. It’s completely virtual and open to everyone – whether you’re here in Central Texas or you have family across the globe who want to make a difference in a child’s life, you can participate.
Here’s how it works:
- Sign up and pledge your steps anytime through October 19
- Log your miles from September 19-October 19 (honor system – we trust you!)
- Share your progress on social media and tag us @learningbridgetx
- Sponsors can donate anytime to their runners/walkers
Our goal?
Support at least 5 new students for the school year. With an average cost of $1,200 to sponsor one student for a full year of tutoring, we’re aiming to raise $6,000. That’s at least 5 more kids getting the consistent academic support that changes everything. We’ll be posting leaderboard updates on our socials, and there are some surprises for top finishers. The whole thing culminates at the Daisy Dash on October 19 in Sunset Valley – your final chance to log some steps together with the Learning Bridge community, followed by a celebration for all our supporters.
Ready to Step Up?
Whether you’re training for your next marathon or just enjoy evening neighborhood walks, your steps matter. Every mile you log helps fund the tutoring sessions that move students from behind grade level to thriving. From struggling with basic addition to mastering subtraction. From feeling isolated to dreaming about joining the volleyball team.
Ready to turn your steps into student success?
Let’s show these kids that when they’re ready to take academic steps forward, our entire community is ready to step up for them
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