At Active4Youth, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive — physically, socially, mentally, and emotionally.
Through free after-school cross country programs, we create opportunities for elementary students across Greater Spokane County to discover the power of setting goals, working as a team, and believing in themselves.
In 2003, budget cuts eliminated elementary school sports across Spokane.
Heidi Bresson, a P.E. teacher at a Title I school, saw the impact up close. Most sports had become pay-to-play — a barrier many families couldn’t cross. But running was different: low-cost, low-barrier, and full of potential.
Determined to create a path forward, Heidi and her husband, Mike, launched a new vision — a free, after-school running program open to every child.
Active4Youth was founded in 2005. By 2008, it as serving 36 schools and 2,500 students.
Today, Active4Youth serves over 5,500 students at more than 60 schools across three districts — and every program is still completely free.
Our mission is to help kids thrive — physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally — through free, after-school cross country programs.
Meet the heart behind Active4Youth.
We’re a small but passionate board that believes every child deserves the chance to move, connect, and thrive through running.
Behind the scenes, we’re planning events, raising funds, and doing the behind-the-scenes work that makes big moments possible.