Lake Buena Vista, Fla.-- On February 28, at the launch of Let’s Move! Active Schools, the General Mills Foundation announced its support of the Presidential Youth Fitness Program (PYFP) to the tune of $10 million over the next six years. These monies will be used to initiate a funding opportunity for schools. 

AAU is pleased to join its partners on PYFP to recognize the General Mills Foundation for this donation, the largest in the Foundation’s history. These funds will enable us to further leverage the program’s resources to support physical educators and quality physical education. The contributions will provide schools with an opportunity to acquire the elements that make up the program’s three pillars—assessment, professional development, and recognition. 

Applications for the inaugural year funds will be accepted online April 1-April 30, 2013, and support will begin with the 2013-2014 academic year. More information including how to apply can be found at www.presidentialyouthfitnessprogram.org 

About the Inaugural Funding Opportunity 

The primary purpose of this inaugural funding opportunity is to provide schools with support to facilitate implementation of and sustained participation in the Presidential Youth Fitness program. Funds will be used to provide elements previously identified as supplemental to the free Presidential Youth Fitness Program to local education agencies. These elements include FITNESSGRAM® software (web-based version), virtual learning opportunities for professional development, and Presidential Youth Fitness Awards for students. A secondary outcome of this funding opportunity will be evaluation of the program through data and information submitted by participating schools. 

About the Presidential Youth Fitness Program

Launched in September 2012, the mission of the Presidential Youth Fitness Program is to offer a comprehensive school-based program that promotes physical activity and fitness for improved health of America’s youth. This voluntary program is the result of a partnership between the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Amateur Athletic Union and The Cooper Institute. 

About the General Mills Foundation 

The mission of the General Mills Foundation, celebrating 59 years of giving, is to nourish communities. Continuing its tradition of generous giving and global community support, General Mills contributed more than $143 million to charitable causes in fiscal year 2012. General Mills invests in and collaborates with community organizations and programs that focus on alleviating hunger and advancing nutrition wellness. In addition, 83 percent of U.S. employees volunteer. To learn more about the ways General Mills nourishes lives through philanthropy and community engagement, please join us on Facebook at Facebook.com/GeneralMillsGives or visit us at: GeneralMills.com/en/Responsibility/Community_Engagement.