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The Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge is a grant program designedto support schools in the effort to introduce programs that will ultimatelycreate healthier, more successful students.
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"Children are our greatest resources, as they represent our future. Wehave a responsibility to invest in their lives early so that we can make thebiggest impact in terms of healthy habits that will continue into adulthood,"said Aaron Walton, chairman of the board of the Highmark Foundation.
Grants will be awarded to schools quarterly in January, April, July andOctober, and will provide funding of programs addressing bullying preventionand self-esteem, in addition to nutrition and physical activity. Applicationsfor grants will be accepted all calendar year.
"Studies and statistics continue to show that the health habits ofchildren develop at a young age and continue into adulthood," said Walton."Many schools lack the resources needed to develop and implement children'shealth-based programs, so the Highmark Foundation is proud to provide $1million in grants to help schools teach students the importance of a healthylifestyle."
To showcase the success of the School Challenge grant program, theHighmark Foundation announced their new and improved 2008 program at severalschools across the state. These schools were 2007 grant winners that areleaders in addressing the physical activity needs of their students:
Schools are invited to apply for School Challenge grants by visiting theHighmark Healthy High 5 Web site at http://www.highmarkhealthyhigh5.org andclicking on "Grant Process for Schools," to download and complete the grantapplication.
About Highmark Healthy High 5
Highmark Healthy High 5 is a five-year, $100 million initiative of theHighmark Foundation aimed to reverse the current trends in children's healthand to promote lifelong healthy habits in children throughout the 49 countiesserved by the Highmark Foundation. Highmark Healthy High 5 addresses fivecritical children's health issues, including nutrition, physical activity,self-esteem, grieving and bullying prevention -- through education,communications, volunteerism, grants and programming.-- Brentwood Middle School, Brentwood School District (Allegheny County), was awarded $5,000 to support dietitian consultants, nutrition and fitness education packets, and exercise equipment for the Spartan Body Works program. -- West Creek Hills Elementary School, East Pennsboro School District (Cumberland County), was awarded $3,000 to purchase "Dance Dance Revolution." -- Edward Tracy Elementary School, Easton Area School District (Northampton County), was awarded $3,000 to support the school's Tracy Trackers program. -- Ferndale Area Elementary School, Ferndale Area School District (Cambria County), was awarded $3,000 to purchase the "Fit-Trail Fitness Center" that will be built by families along a playground walking trail for students K-6. -- Northwestern Senior High School, Northwestern School District (Erie County), was awarded $7,000 to support a personal physical fitness center.
SOURCE The Highmark Foundation
