You don’t need a ton of expensive sports equipment to run, but you do need strength, stamina, and self-confidence. Girls on the Run, an after-school empowerment program for young girls aged 8–13, focuses on developing the latter skill.

Led by enthusiastic and well-trained volunteer coaches, Girls on the Run programs meet in small groups for 10–12 weeks at a time. The goal is to help girls train to complete a 5K while learning about life skills, teamwork, and community service along the way. So, while the girls spend plenty of time running laps and stretching, they also participate in lessons that address topics ranging from healthy life habits to how to express gratitude. They also participate in a community-service project as a team.

To find out more about Girls on the Run’s powerful impact on young girls, we talked to Theresa Miller, the vice president of partnerships and development. Theresa’s job is to help raise awareness and funds for the organization, which now serves more than 179,000 girls in cities across North America. You can donate directly to the cause via their website. Additionally, Groupon will make a donation to Girls on the Run for every deal purchased from the Welcome to Wellness collection through September 2, 2015 (only available in the US).

The following interview has been condensed and edited.

GROUPON: What’s the most important lesson you hope young girls take away from participating in Girls on the Run?

THERESA MILLER: We want these girls to recognize their limitless potential—that by developing these skills and taking care of themselves, they can do anything. We want to help create a world where every girl can pursue her dreams. We want them to leave with competence and confidence.

G: Why running?

TM: Really, truly, it’s because anyone can do it. All you need is a pair of shoes and a safe place to run. It doesn’t require equipment. It’s the most accessible sport.

G: How is Girls on the Run different from other after-school programs?

TM: Our whole curriculum focuses on positive youth development. Yes, we’re increasing physical activity and teaching girls to be healthy for a lifetime, but we also offer these valuable life lessons that make it different from a traditional sports or life-skills program.

G: What are some examples of the community-service component of the program?

TM: It’s really driven by whatever the girls want to do. The girls learn to work together as a team and as individuals, whether they’re raising money for an animal shelter or washing fire trucks.

G: Are there any new programs or events that you’re particularly excited about for the upcoming year?

TM: We just celebrated serving our one millionth girl! It was quite an exciting milestone! Next year, Girls on the Run will celebrate its 20th birthday, and [we’ve] set a goal to serve two million girls within the next five years.

We are very excited about the launch of our new middle-school program for sixth- to eighth-grade girls called “Heart & Sole.” Some of the lessons are different from the elementary program, but the outcomes are the same. We give the girls more time to talk [and more] time for journaling and self-reflection.

We’re also continuing to look for opportunities to raise more money for scholarships, so any girl can participate in our transformative program.

G: What makes the Girls on the Run 5K events more of a celebration than a competition?

TM: It’s all about setting a goal and accomplishing it. For us, it’s not about how much time it takes to complete the race. It’s fine to hop, skip, cartwheel, whatever—just put one foot in front of the other. The girls’ extended families often come to cheer them on, and people who have come to the 5Ks have been so inspired that they want to get involved and become coaches! It gives the girls a feeling of accomplishment. When you set a goal and work hard to achieve it, you can accomplish anything.

Images courtesy of Girls on the Run