Every school day, 54 million young people attend nearly 123,000 schools across the country. Influencing and enhancing the ability of schools to provide healthy environments could be one of the most effective ways to shape the health, education, and well-being of our next generation. President Bill Clinton
What is the goal of the Healthy Schools Program and how does it work?
The goal of the Healthy Schools Program is to establish a healthy school environment as the norm and not the exception. To that end, the Healthy Schools Program supports schools around the nation in their efforts to create school environments where there are consistent and clear messages that physical activity and healthy eating are important and encouraged in the classroom, cafeteria, gym, hallway and schoolyard. Research suggests that a healthier school environment can result in greater academic achievement, improved student and staff attendance and healthier lives for students and educators.
The Healthy Schools Program provides support to schools to implement programs and policies that promote physical activity and healthy eating among students and staff. Support to schools is based on the Healthy Schools Program Framework, a set of best practice criteria in the areas of nutrition, physical activity and school employee wellness, and the Six Steps to Creating a Healthier School Environment. The Healthy Schools Program will recognize participating schools at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels. Schools can be elevated in recognition status as they continue to enhance their healthy school practices.
What support is available to schools?
Support to schools is offered in two different ways. Any school in the country public or private can enroll in the online program and receive electronic and telephonic support and access to implementation resources at no cost. The Healthy Schools Program also provides on-site support to schools that serve vulnerable student populations in a number of states.
Here are a few things the Healthy Schools Program (HSP) has to offer enrolled schools:
- National Recognition for their small victories and big successes.
- Customized Support on creating a healthier school environment through a liaison available by phone and email.
- Implementation Support and Tools that are robust and informative to help schools work towards creating a healthier school environment and achieving recognition.
- Networking Opportunities with schools across the country on the quest for a healthier school.
- A Resource Database that includes great resources and grant opportunities that will help schools implement healthy changes to promote physical activity and healthy eating.
How do schools get involved?
Enrolling a school is easy!
- Register online or 1-888-KID-HLTH.
- Complete the online Healthy Schools Builder (HSB) this will help schools assess and prioritize needs, develop a customized action plan, identify needed resources and apply for recognition.
- Check out our Healthy School Resources to help schools enhance the health of their school environment.
Who runs and sponsors the program?
The Healthy Schools Program is an initiative of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a joint venture between the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation. Major funding for the Healthy Schools Program is provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation recognizes that becoming a healthy school is a step-by-step process, and the Healthy Schools Program is there to help.
