The American Heart Association and the National Football League have selected 136 schools nationwide to receive grants through the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs, aimed at improving physical activity and well-being for students and faculty. The announcement was made at an NFL PLAY 60 school assembly at Lawton Alternative School in San Francisco, ahead of Super Bowl LX.
According to the American Heart Association, only 1 in 4 children ages 6 to 11 meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, a figure that drops for older youth. The enhanced grant program, funded by a $350,000 annual pool from the NFL, supports schools in promoting movement and emotional well-being. The grants focus on four key areas: physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements and inclusive physical education, and well-being resources.
“Every student deserves the chance to learn, grow and feel their best throughout the school day,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “By expanding this grant program, we are helping schools create more moments of movement and more spaces where kids feel supported in both their physical and emotional well-being.”
The NFL PLAY 60 initiative, now in its second decade, encourages children to get at least 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily, aligning with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. This year, the program also launched an NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador Class, with eight NFL mascots inspiring kids to move more for mental and physical health.
Megan Mendoza, Senior Manager of Social Responsibility at the NFL, emphasized the program’s impact: “For two decades, NFL PLAY 60 has been committed to helping kids lead healthier, more active lives, and this year’s expanded grant program reflects that commitment in an even larger way.”
Schools can apply for grants year-round, with another group of recipients expected to be announced in April. Details on resources and opportunities are available at heart.org/NFLPLAY60. The grants are part of a broader effort to address the low physical activity rates among American youth, which have significant implications for long-term health. By providing schools with tools and resources, the program aims to foster healthier habits that can last a lifetime.
