DALLAS, April 14, 2020 – The American Heart Association has extended the deadline for individual scholarships and school grants offered through Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge to June 30. As schools nationwide moved to remote learning, the American Heart Association’s traditional in-school youth programs also went virtual. The scholarship extension affords applicants additional time to complete the new virtual program and meet eligibility criteria.

“The American Heart Association is deeply grateful for the role our educators play in shaping future generations by providing a strong foundation of health and physical activity through the Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge,” said Kim Slone, executive vice president of development and community health for the American Heart Association. “With many schools adjusting to closures and remote learning, this application extension allows our participating schools and educators the additional time needed to submit their grant requests which support their efforts to have a lasting health impact with students and local communities.”

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, engages 1 million students through Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge to  change the course of heart disease and stroke by teaching physical and emotional well-being and community service while funding critical research.

American Heart Challenge scholarship for high school students:

  • The American Heart Challenge awards 15 $1,000 college scholarships for high school juniors and seniors who completed the program and demonstrate exemplary leadership and commitment to physical and emotional well-being. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria: current high school junior or senior, demonstrated leadership skills within their school’s 2019-2020 American Heart Challenge event and passion for impacting community health. Applications require a letter of support from their American Heart Challenge advisor. Students can apply at www.heart.org/scholarship.

Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge grants for schools:

  • The Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs offers $400,000 in grants to support physical activity and emotional well-being programs for students and teachers. The funds are used for equipment and supplies needed to establish or enhance wellness opportunities on school campus. All schools that participate in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge (middle school) are eligible to apply for up to $3,500. Participating schools will receive grant application link upon completion of their Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge program. 

Scholarship and grant recipients will be announced on August 19, 2020. 

Kids Heart Challenge supports elementary age students while the American Heart Challenge engages middle and high school students. In response to COVID-19, both school programs transitioned to virtual events to assist parents and educators with solutions to help keep kids connected in a safe way to reduce stress and anxiety, that can happen while away from friends and school. The turnkey online campaign, Kick Cabin Fever to the Curb, includes two weeks of home activities, recipes and tips for parents to prioritize mental health and physical activity.

Active kids learn better. When kids are active, they focus more, think more clearly, react to stress more calmly and perform and behave better in -and out- of school. The US Department of Health and Human Services’ latest Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans show that kids ages 6 to 17 who are physically active improve cognitive function and have heathier weight, lower cardiovascular risk and fewer symptoms of depression[1].  

For more information on the American Heart Challenge or to register your school visit heart.org/ahc. Information and registration for the Kids Heart Challenge is available at heart.org/khc.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Linzy Cotaya: 504-872-3446; Linzy.Cotaya@heart.org 

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org


[1] US Department of Health and Human Services, 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, page 14. Available for download here: https://health.gov/paguidelines/default.aspx