Step-Up New Orleans 5K Walk & Run

“Together, We Step Up for Our Youth”

On January 18, 2025, join us at the Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans for the 1st annual Step-Up New Orleans Walk & Run 5K, a powerful event designed to unite our city, raise awareness, and make a lastng impact on the lives of ALL New Orleans youth.

Why We’re Doing It:
New Orleans youth are facing unprecedented challenges. In 2024, data collected by The Aligned Foundation revealed that 37% of high school students struggle to cope with negative emotions and 20% of children in Louisiana experience mental health disorders that affect their ability to function in their daily lives. Our youth are at a critical crossroads, and it’s time for us to step up as a community.

Where Will Proceeds From the Race Go?

Launching Fall 2024 in partnership with InspireNOLA Schools, The Aligned Program is set to bring a groundbreaking curriculum to New Orleans schools, designed to foster mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and overall well-being in middle school students. As part of our commitment to creating empowered, thriving communities, this curriculum aims to give students the tools they need to succeed academically and emotionally, building a foundation that will support them throughout their lives.

What is The Aligned Program?

The Aligned Program focuses on mental health, mindfulness, and self-awareness as key pillars to student success. The curriculum, which will be implemented across Inspire NOLA Schools, engages students with activities that encourage self-regulation, emotional understanding, and conscious living. By helping students develop skills to manage stress, focus, and maintain a healthy mindset, we are laying the groundwork for future leaders and compassionate citizens.

Stepping Up Together

Stepping Up is a MINDSET. It’s about aiming to make a difference and embracing the idea that nothing is impossible. It means asking the tough questions, believing in the cause, and understanding that no effort is too small when it comes to changing lives.

Stepping Up is ACTION. It’s not just about having a conversation; it’s about getting out there and doing the hard work. It’s about recognizing the gaps and stepping in to fill them. Whether you’re running, volunteering, or sponsoring, every step you take will ripple into lasting change.

Stepping Up is DEPENDABILITY. We’re calling on the entire city of New Orleans to stand by our youth, to be there when it counts, and to show up when they need us most. This isn’t about accolades or glory — it’s about being a lifeline for those who need it, especially when ; times are tough.

How You Can Make a Difference?

Walk or Run

Lace up and hit the pavement for our 5K to show your support for New Orleans youth.

Volunteer

Offer your time and energy to help make this event a success.

Sponsor

Become a financial partner and help fund the vital programs that support the mental health and well-being of our kids.

The Step-Up New Orleans 5K is more than just a race — it’s a call to action. It’s about coming together as a community to give our youth the resources, encouragement, and support they need to thrive. Stepping up means believing that together, we can turn the tide and create a brighter future for New Orleans.

Registrants & Volunteers: Enter for a Chance to Win $5,000!

As a Step-Up New Orleans 5K participant or volunteer, you have the exciting opportunity to win BIG!

We’re inviting all registrations and volunteers of the Step-Up New Orleans 5K Walk & Run event to submit a short video (less than 1 minute) telling us “Why You’re Stepping Up.” Whether you’re running for the youth of New Orleans, supporting a charity, or a cause close to your heart, we want to hear your story!

By submitting your video, you’ll be entered to win $5,000:

$2,500 for you
$2,500 for a charity of your choice

Step-Up and Get Involved Today!

Click the button below to register as a participant, sign up as a volunteer, or become a sponsor.
Let’s step up for our youth, our community, and the future of New Orleans.