The Evansville City Human Relations Commission on Oct. 22 approved a $2,000 sponsorship for Girls on the Run Southwest Indiana, a youth after‑school program that works with girls on confidence, health and positive relationships.

The vote came after a presentation from Tranisha Brooks, who described the program’s presence in local schools and how participation data is tracked. "Girls on the Run is an organization. They provide, health and wellness support to youth. They are in about 8 of our EVSE schools, supporting in our after school programs. They are in all of our Evansville Promise Neighborhood Schools," Brooks said. Brooks said Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN) fully funds Girls on the Run for EPN schools (six schools), while students in other schools attend through fees or scholarships.

Commissioner Phelps moved to approve a lead‑sponsor level contribution of $2,000; Matt Hancock seconded the motion. The commission took a voice vote; Chair Donovan Phipps called the question and the motion passed on the voice vote. Commissioners did not record a roll‑call tally in the transcript.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the commission’s contribution would help pay scholarships for students in non‑EPN schools where the program charges $150 per student. At the meeting commissioners calculated the $2,000 figure would cover about 13 students at that rate. Brooks also said the program is in about "8 to 10" district schools now and hopes to expand to as many as 12.

Commissioners discussed whether the money was available in their sponsorship/discretionary funds; those present said the balance was not exactly known in the meeting but estimated roughly $20,000–$30,000 in recent reports. Commissioners also said the decision needed to be made at the Oct. 22 meeting rather than waiting for Executive Director Diane because of event deadlines.

The commission’s approval did not attach additional conditions in the meeting transcript. Commissioners noted typical sponsor benefits being offered: logo placement on materials, social‑media invitations and acknowledgement at the event.