June 5, 2019
in Physical Education
On May 10, 2019, Colorado passed a $1.1M physical education (PE) grant program to help improve students’ physical activity. This innovative PE grant program prioritizes funding for high-need schools and districts experiencing barriers that hinder the implementation of comprehensive quality PE including: lack of resources and equipment, difficulty retaining staff, existence of a four-day school week (which is implemented disproportionately in underserved districts) and a lack of supplemental funding from cities and counties where a district is located.
Out of 1,106 elementary schools and 285 middle schools in the state, 832 are Title I schools, meaning this funding is direly needed to implement quality physical education programs. This bill requires a minimum of at least 30% of the funds to be prioritized for high-needs schools.
Congratulations to The Fund for a Healthier Colorado, SHAPE America, American Heart Association Colorado, and to the all the advocates and volunteers who are working to make each day healthier for all children!