EPISD Wins $25,000 For Its Innovative Fitness Programs

Promoting physical activity for children has earned the El Paso Independent School District $25,000 and a chance to win more.

EPISD — the Southwest Regional winner for “technology innovation” — is one of nine districts nationwide to be recognized by ChildObesity180 for launching creative, impactful, and scalable school-based programs and technologies get children in shape. Teachers and schools invited developers, inventors, and entrepreneurs to demonstrate how existing or emerging technologies could be used to inspire kids to be physically active. A panel of experts representing various fields judged the entries.

“EPISD has made great strides in the area of health and wellness, and this award both gives our programs validation and allows us to do more for our students in these areas,” interim Superintendent Terri K. Jordan said in a news release.

The physical activity programs were developed three years ago, when EPISD received from the Paso del Norte Foundation a $2.7 million grant to improve students’ health. They include the Quality Physical Education, AQ Zones, Classroom Brain Breaks, and the Elementary Integrated Health Curriculum.

ChildObesity180, in a commitment with the Partnership for a Healthier America, launched the Active Schools Acceleration Project initiative in February. The program included a video message from first lady Michelle Obama, encouraging participation in the competition.

The $25,000 will help the nine districts further advance health and wellness programming. EPISD also has a chance to win the technology innovation grand prize and could receive $50,000 June 13 in Washington, D.C.

“The competition’s winning programs and technologies are models that can help us reverse the childhood obesity epidemic.” ChildObesity180 chair Peter Dolan said. “We are grateful for the support of thirteen of America’s leading health plans for this competition. With them as our partners, we are recognizing innovation champions and identifying opportunities to bring solutions to scale.”