Four campuses win $5,000 Wellness Innovation Grants

Fort Worth-area student groups were put to the test as they vied to earn four $5,000 Blue Zones Project Wellness Innovation Grant awards and make their campus a healthier place of learning.

Six schools pitched their ideas via video presentation to a panel of judges for a variety of creative projects designed to help classmates reduce stress, enhance activity and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Sam Rosen Elementary and Van Zandt Guinn in Fort Worth ISD, Oakmont Elementary in Crowley IS, and Montessori School of Fort Worth each received $5,000 grants for their projects. Leonard Middle School and FWISD TCC Collegiate High School, both FWISD campuses, were recognized with $2,000 grants for their efforts.

This is the second annual Wellness Grant Innovation program. Participating schools must be Blue Zones Project Approved or working toward certification, and schools that received a 2019-2020 grant were not eligible to apply.

Judges included a panel of local educators, wellness advocates, entrepreneurs and community leaders who viewed a series of enthusiastic, virtual presentations where students shared their plans with song and dance, creative graphics and group performances. Applicants were asked to present innovative projects, programs or activities to support well-being on campus.

The grants are provided by R4 Foundation, which funds local programs supporting education, community, wellness and the arts, in partnership with North Texas Healthy Communities, the community outreach arm of Texas Health Resources that implements Blue Zones Project.