Michigan Building Healthy Communities: Engaging Middle Schools Through Project Healthy Schools

734.764.0290
ProjectHealthySchools@umich.edu

Building Healthy Communities: Engaging Middle Schools Through Project Healthy Schools is a technical assistance program that encourages healthy habits through education, environmental change, and measurement while building a sustainable framework for school wellness. Assistance will help to establish a healthy school environment that encourages healthy eating and physical activity while supporting higher levels of academic achievement, especially for schools, teachers, and students that are facing unprecedented needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program goals are for students to:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Choose less sugary food and beverages
• Eat less fast and fatty food
• Be active every day
• Spend less time in front of an entertainment screen

Public, charter, and private nonprofit middle schools in Michigan are eligible, regardless of geographic location or participation in the free or reduced-price lunch program. Schools must serve students in the fifth, sixth, and seventh grades.

Programs will receive:

• A hands-on coordinator to establish the program and work with the school to ensure the program is successful and sustainable
• All program materials, equipment, and training necessary for implementation
• Technical assistance and networking opportunities to assist in the transformation to a healthy school

Links to additional guidance, application instructions, and the online application are available on the program website.