The U.S. Department of Education has awarded 16 Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grants, totaling more than $24 million, to local education agencies and community-based organizations to implement comprehensive, integrated physical activity and nutrition programs for their students. Grantees receive funds to initiate, expand, or improve physical education programs for students in kindergarten through the 12th grade. Through these programs, it is expected that students will develop an appreciation for lifelong healthy nutrition and physical education habits and make progress toward meeting their state standards for physical education.

"It's important for students to develop healthy lifestyles because physical education not only helps strengthen the body but the mind as well," said U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. "These grants will provide additional resources to schools and communities to help educate students on the importance of adopting healthy habits that improve physical and mental fitness."

Grant recipients must implement programs that help students make progress toward meeting their state standards for physical education. In addition, these programs must undertake instruction in healthy eating habits and good nutrition, and physical fitness activities that include at least one of the following:

• Fitness education and assessment to help students understand, improve, or maintain their physical well-being
• Instruction in a variety of motor skills and physical activities designed to enhance the physical, mental, and social or emotional development of every student
• Development of and instruction in cognitive concepts about motor skills and physical fitness that support a lifelong healthy lifestyle
• Opportunities to develop positive social and cooperative skills through physical activity participation and
• Opportunities for professional development for physical education teachers to stay abreast of the latest research, issues, and trends in the field of physical education.

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Healthy Students manages the PEP grants and supports efforts to create safe schools, ensure the health and well-being of students, teach students good citizenship and character, respond to crises, and prevent drug and alcohol abuse.

Below is a list of the grantees:

FY2016 Carol M. White Physical Education Program Grant Recipients