John Jay High School and Mary Hull Elementary School awarded grants to improve student health
SAN ANTONIO, March 2, 2026 — Physical activity is vital to American students’ physical health and emotional well-being, helping them learn, concentrate and manage stress throughout the school day, yet most youth are not getting enough movement. According to the American Heart Association, only 1 in 4 children ages 6 to 11 are currently getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity — a statistic that more than doubles for youth ages 12 to 17. To provide schools more ways to promote physical movement for students and well-being for faculty, the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) recently awarded John Jay High School with a teacher well-being grant and Mary Hull Elementary School with an NFL PLAY 60™ grant through its Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ program.
Each year, the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge award grants to schools nationwide for both faculty and student wellness initiatives. This year marks the launch of an enhanced grant structure that includes a $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL supporting four key areas identified by schools and educators, including physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements and inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. As part of the latest grant cycle, John Jay High School received a teacher well-being grant in the amount of $2,500 and Mary Hull Elementary School received an NFL PLAY 60 Active Recess grant in the amount of $500.
“Creating environments where kids can stay active and faculty can feel supported throughout the school day is essential. These grants give schools in our community meaningful tools to strengthen both physical activity and overall wellbeing,” said Vincent Real, board chair for the American Heart Association – San Antonio and president and chief executive officer of Big State Electric. “We’re excited to be able to support these schools in building a healthier, more supportive culture for both teachers and students.”
Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are rooted in proven science and reach millions of students each year. Participants and their families learn how to eat smart, manage stress, avoid tobacco and vaping, recognize the signs of heart attack and stroke and more. They’re also introduced to Hands-Only CPR, a lifesaving skill that children as young as 12 can effectively perform in the event of witnessing a sudden cardiac arrest.
Grant applications are accepted year-round and another group of recipients will be announced in April. To learn more and apply, visit heart.org/ahaschoolgrant.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About NFL PLAY 60
NFL PLAY 60 is the League’s national youth health and wellness platform. For nearly 20 years, the initiative has empowered millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day and provided support for programs and resources so that kids everywhere can lead a healthy lifestyle. Alongside the NFL’s 32 NFL clubs and partners, the PLAY 60 movement will continue to serve and motivate the next generation of youth to get active and PLAY 60. For more information, visit NFL.com/PLAY60.
For Media Inquiries:
Reyna Caraveo: reyna.caraveo@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
