The Building Healthy Communities: Step Up for School Wellness, or BHC: SUFSW, program is recognized by health and education leaders as a successful and innovative school-based program that empowers school health leaders, educators, administrators, families and communities to improve the health and well-being of students and staff.
Donor Name: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
State: Michigan
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/30/2022
Details:
The program focuses on creating a healthier school environment and building a culture of wellness that supports physical activity, healthier food choices, mental health and overall well-being.
The program is made available to schools through a partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association, Michigan Fitness Foundation, Michigan Recreation and Park Association, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Virtual, SHAPE Michigan, United Dairy Industry of Michigan and the University of Michigan. Partnering organizations have aligned under BHC: SUFSW for greater collective impact.
Program Goals and Intended Impacts
Creating healthier environments can lead to the development of lifelong healthy behaviors that reduce the incidence of obesity and undernourishment, combat absenteeism, address trauma, and nurture a more productive teaching and learning atmosphere. The program’s fivestep model translates into program goals that drive impacts focused on improved knowledge, attitudes and behaviors.
- Empower students to be more physically active every day.
- Empower students to make healthy choices that include fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains and lean protein every day.
- Empower students to learn and practice social and emotional skills.
- Engage staff in activities and educational opportunities that support personal growth and school policies and practices around social and emotional learning.
- Empower staff to explore and implement well-being initiatives that support a culture of wellness at school for all employees.
Building Healthy Communities: Step Up for School Wellness
- Step 1: Build or re-energize a School Health Team
- Step 2: Assess the school health environment
- Step 3: Gather your tools and take action
- Step 4: Evaluate and sustain your actions
- Step 5: Share your success
Program Resources
- Focus Area 1: Physical Activity and Physical Education Resources
- Focus Area 2: Healthy Eating and Nutrition Education Resources
- Focus Area 3: Well-Being Resources
Eligibility Criteria
All public, charter, or private non-profit schools in Michigan, serving any grade level K-12, can apply each year regardless of their economic status, geographic location, or participation in other school wellness grants, programs or initiatives. School awards are based on need, readiness, alignment with grade requirements and prerequisites, and available funding.
For more information, visit BCBSM.
