Watch story

Building self-esteem and positive body image isn't just being taught in the classroom. It's also getting some attention on the athletic field.

Julie Rose is getting the girls at Desert Willow Elementary School in Phoenix warmed up for their afternoon run.

"I like it all, but I also like doing all the fun activities with all of my friends," Sophia Beaudoin said.

The students are taking part in a program called Girls on the Run of Maricopa County. It's a 10-week program held in the fall and spring for girls ages 8 to 11.

"I was just amazed by the message of the program," said Sharon Baltmanis, Girls on the Run council director. "The idea that we're trying to teach these girls to be empowered, to be who they are and who they want to be."

Baltmanis said the goal behind the program is to encourage social, mental and physical development through running activities.

"I like learning about our self-esteem and how to handle our feelings and stuff like that," Dominique Troyanos said.

"Today we talked about gossiping, how negative it is and how messages can get messed up," Rose said. "We also talk about positive body image. Values was another one."

Rose is a volunteer coach. The organization relies on volunteers like her to help make its program a success.

"They love the idea that we're getting the girls out there, getting them active," Rose said. "What the mothers and parents have said is it's kind of motivated them to start running with their daughters."

"I tell them it's a lot of fun," Dominique said. "I say you do a lot of running so you have to be ready for that."

At the end of the 10-week program the girls will participate in the Girls on the Run's Diva Dash.