The Impact of Financial Grants on Student Well-being
As the new school year kicks off, the American Heart Association is taking a proactive approach to support the health and well-being of K-12 students across the country. By awarding financial grants to nearly 80 elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide, the Association is investing in the future of our youth. These grants are a part of the Association’s larger commitment to improving cardiovascular health for all individuals, regardless of age or background.
The funds provided through these grants will enable local schools in communities across the nation to enhance their health resources. This includes investing in new fitness equipment, installing water filling stations, and providing health education tools. By equipping schools with the means to promote healthier habits among students, the grants aim to combat critical health issues such as childhood obesity, which currently affects nearly 20% of children and teens. Additionally, the grants seek to address the concerning statistic that less than 25% of young people are getting enough physical activity.
Marsha Jones, American Heart Association volunteer board chair, emphasized the importance of these grants in supporting schools’ efforts to make a real difference in their students’ lives. She noted that by enhancing both the physical and emotional well-being of students, the grants are not just providing financial support but are serving as a lifeline for schools striving to create a healthier environment for their students. Ultimately, these investments are not only beneficial for students’ current well-being but also contribute to their long-term success, advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
Promoting Wellness Through In-School Initiatives
The financial grants awarded by the American Heart Association are closely tied to its in-school initiatives, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™. These programs, rooted in proven science, aim to engage students in improving their overall health while making a positive impact on others. Each year, more than 10 million students in approximately 20,000 schools across the country participate in these service-learning programs.
Through engaging lesson plans and interactive technology, students involved in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs get active, have fun, and learn lifesaving skills like Hands-Only CPR. By incorporating these initiatives into schools, the American Heart Association is not only promoting physical activity among students but also educating them on essential health practices that can potentially save lives in the future.
The grant application process for these financial grants was open to all schools that participated in the American Heart Association’s school-based programs during the previous school year. This inclusive approach ensures that schools actively engaged in promoting student health and wellness have the opportunity to access additional resources to further their efforts. To learn more about the Association’s in-school initiatives and how schools can get started, visit heart.org/getstarted.
A Century of Impact: Celebrating 100 Years of Lifesaving Work
In 2024, the American Heart Association marks a significant milestone as it celebrates 100 years of lifesaving work. The bi-annual grants awarded to schools across the nation underscore the Association’s ongoing commitment to improving student health through its Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs. These initiatives have been instrumental in reaching millions of students and instilling in them the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.
As the American Heart Association looks ahead to its second century of bold discovery and impact, its vision remains clear: to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through collaboration with various organizations and powered by millions of volunteers, the Association continues to fund innovative research, advocate for public health, and share lifesaving resources. By investing in the health and well-being of students through initiatives like the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, the Association is paving the way for a healthier future for generations to come.
In conclusion, the financial grants awarded by the American Heart Association play a crucial role in promoting the well-being of K-12 students across the country. By providing schools with the resources they need to enhance health and wellness initiatives, the grants are not only benefiting students’ current health but are also setting them up for long-term success. Through programs like the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, students are not only learning about the importance of physical activity and healthy habits but are also gaining valuable skills that can save lives. As the Association continues its mission to improve cardiovascular health for all individuals, it remains dedicated to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
