Two Portland schools awarded grants to foster student health
PORTLAND, ORE., April 22, 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 help promote physical movement for students, the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) recently awarded CLASS Academy and St. Ignatius School NFL PLAY 60™ grants through its Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ program.
NFL PLAY 60 grants support four key areas identified by schools and educators, including physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements and inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. CLASS Academy received an NFL PLAY 60 grant for flag football equipment and St. Ignatius School received an NFL PLAY 60 grant in the amount of $500.
“Creating environments where kids can stay active and feel supported throughout the school day is essential to their success. The grants give schools in our community meaningful tools to strengthen both physical activity and overall well‑being,” said Derenda Schubert, Ph.D., American Heart Association Oregon and southwest Washington volunteer board chair and Bridge Meadows CEO. “We appreciate the NFL’s continued commitment to helping young people build healthy habits, and we’re proud to see that commitment making a direct impact here at home.”
This year marks the launch of an enhanced grant structure that includes a $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL. It builds on the existing Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge school grant program established by the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.
Rooted in science, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps children to develop healthy habits for a better chance of a healthy adulthood. The program encourages kids to get a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
NFL PLAY 60 grant applications are accepted year-round and another group of grant recipients will be announced in April. Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and available grant opportunities can be found online at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
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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:
Jay Wintermeyer: jay.wintermeyer@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
