Press Release
For Immediate Release
May 30, 2025
Contact:
Sydney Trainor
Communications and Media Relations Specialist
405-744-9782
sydney.trainor@okstate.edu
K-12 Schools in Oklahoma to Benefit from Enhanced Physical Education Resources
Oklahoma State University (OSU) is teaming up with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) to enhance physical education opportunities for Pre-K through 12th-grade schools statewide. This initiative provides selected schools with reimbursement grants of up to $10,000 for exercise equipment, alongside professional development and mentorship through a virtual community of practice.
The Competitive Grants for High-Quality Physical Education Instruction, backed by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, aims to enrich physical education in Oklahoma schools. This collaborative program automatically enrolls selected schools in the “Building Healthy School Communities” ECHO, led by OSU’s Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute.
“This innovative ECHO model, emphasizing ‘all teach, all learn,’ has demonstrated a positive impact on schools,” states Melenda Knight, Associate Director of OSU’s Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute. “Our program equips schools with expert guidance and resources to foster healthier environments for students.”
Launched in 2024, the pilot cohort engaged five school districts in an 18-week program. Following its success, the initiative has expanded to include over 60 schools across diverse regions in Oklahoma. The program focuses on enhancing physical activity, nutrition literacy, and mental health for educators and students alike.
The BHSC ECHO is uniquely positioned as the first program of its kind nationally, blending K-12 education with health care on a hybrid platform. Part of a broader network of educational and medical ECHO programs at OSU, this initiative actively addresses challenges facing students, empowering Oklahoma schools to instill healthy habits and foster supportive learning environments.
Interested schools can apply for the 2026 Competitive Grant for High-Quality Physical Education Instruction by June 30. For more details, visit the OSDE website.
END
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
