Kids Heart Challenge, a program of the American Heart Association, recently awarded more than $400,000 to over than 170 elementary schools who participated in the program’s inaugural year, 2018-19.
We are excited to share that four of the schools are in California!
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Ridgemoor Elementary School - $4,200
Jackson Elementary School- $2,705
Peter J. Shields Elementary School - $4,500
Rio Del Sol STEAM Academy - $3,500
The Kids Heart Challenge offers four physical activities to get students’ hearts pumping:
- jumping rope,
- practicing basketball skills,
- dancing
- completing an obstacle course.
The curriculum prepares kids for success by supporting their physical and emotional well-being, offers new learning resources and physical activities to meet the needs of today’s youth and educators.
Grant recipients will be able to implement a variety of wellness activities with additions such as physical activity equipment, a mobile salad bar, CPR training resources, water bottle filling stations and educator training opportunities on their campuses.
“Schools are a critical link in providing the foundation for cardiovascular wellness in our country by helping students develop healthy habits at an early age,” said Tanya Edwards, executive vice president of community development and health for the American Heart Association. “The Kids Heart Challenge helps students learn about heart health, find fun ways to stay physically active, provide valuable physical education curriculum. With the addition of the grant program, teachers gain access to funds to take their efforts to the next level, making an even greater impact on their students, families and local communities.”
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2018 Physical Activities guidelines for Americans only 20% of kids get enough activity to meet physical activity recommendations.
The Kids Heart Challenge is rooted in proven science which has shown that kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood. In addition to improved physical health, the benefits of physical activity for children include better grades, school attendance and classroom behavior. Physical activity can also help kids feel better, improve mental health, build self-esteem, and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Funds raised by Kids Heart Challenge participants support the American Heart Association’s scientific research and outreach programs, paving the way for technological breakthroughs to improve health outcomes while creating healthier communities. Schools are encouraged to register now for the to bring expanded curriculum resources to their classrooms in the 2019-20 school year.
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