American Heart Challenge - Middle and High School

The American Heart Challenge prepares middle and high school students for success by strengthening their physical and mental well-being and fostering their social responsibility.

middle and high school kids

What is the American Heart Challenge?

The American Heart Challenge is a service-learning program that gives middle and high school students the opportunity to feel good by doing good. Students will raise funds and awareness to fight for health equity and to end heart disease and stroke.

Take the Challenge

Register your school or get more information.

Why should your school register to participate?

High Schools: Grant Funding and Scholarships

  • The American Heart Challenge provides leadership and volunteer opportunities.
  • Juniors and seniors who participate in the American Heart Challenge can apply for a $1,000 scholarship.
  • Participating schools can apply for up to $2,500 in grant funding.

Middle Schools: Earn Give-Backs and Incentives

  • Earn certificates from US Games, Plus an extra 10% off when you use your certificates, Plus free shipping.
  • Direct contributions back to your school.
  • Participating schools can apply for up to $2,500 in grant funding.

Support Your Community

  • Service-learning program!
  • Awareness campaigns for learning Hands-Only CPR, increasing physical activity and saying NO to vaping and smoking.

Build Your Curriculum

  • OPEN curriculum provides a series of classroom-based physical activity plans and resources to support both mental and physical well-being.
  • Conversation starters address growing concerns about teen vaping and smoking.
  • Curriculum that supports whole-body wellness.

How does it work?

The American Heart Challenge prepares students for success by strengthening their physical and mental well-being. The American Heart Association will supply physical education instructors, coaches or teachers with step-by-step instructions to host fun activities at school with engaging educational modules that address the needs of middle and high school students.

OPEN, a public service of US Games and BSN Sports, is a proud supporter and provides amazing resources, including:

  • Complete activity curriculum modules for your school’s chosen event: jump, basketball, dance, warrior and more
  • Active classroom physical activity breaks
  • Curriculum modules to teach personal and social responsibility
  • Heart-healthy academic language tools
  • Family engagement ideas
  • More than 40 fitness- and skill-based instruction modules

Additional AHA resources include:

  • Downloadable lesson plans
  • Interactive skills resources
  • Grade-specific ideas for a successful American Heart Challenge event
  • NFL PLAY60 videos, vignettes and virtual field trips powered by Discovery Education
  • Resources for healthy eating, physical activity and wellness in the classroom
  • Communication starters for faculty and parents to address growing concerns about teen vaping and smoking

We're Here to Help!

Specially trained American Heart Association staff or volunteers are available to support your program every step of the way. Any questions? Contact us at 877-824-8531.