October 30, 2025
Healthier Generation Commits to 5,000 America’s Healthiest Schools by 2030
Five-year goal will mobilize healthy changes in thousands of K-12 schools nationwide.
At the 2025 America’s Healthiest Schools Leaders Summit, Healthier Generation CEO Kathy Higgins unveiled a bold organizational goal: to support a total of 5,000 schools in qualifying for national recognition by adopting, strengthening, and sustaining policies and practices that support whole child health.
With nearly 50 million children spending much of their day in schools, these institutions are uniquely positioned to drive positive health outcomes. Yet school-based health strategies are often underutilized and inconsistently implemented.
Since 2005, Healthier Generation has collaborated with school communities, partners, and funders to implement best practices that support student, staff, and family health. To help schools sustain progress and amplify impact, Healthier Generation celebrates their achievements through its annual America’s Healthiest Schools award program.
The five-year effort, aligned with the nation’s Healthy People 2030 objectives, is expected to benefit more than half a million students and 50,000 staff in districts across the country.
“Throughout my career, from the classroom to public health, I’ve witnessed how school-based health strategies are essential to better health and academic outcomes,” says CEO Kathy Higgins. “When we show up for schools, we help build a foundation of lifelong health for millions of children and families.”
As Healthier Generation celebrates its 20th anniversary, this milestone underscores the urgency and importance of continuing to elevate and advance equitable whole child health. The organization’s long-standing commitment to schools as catalysts for change reflects a deep understanding that sustainable health begins where children live, learn, and grow.
To date, more than 3,300 schools across 47 states have been awarded. With this week’s announcement, Healthier Generation is advancing its mission to provide year-round, national and place-based support to any K-12 school community ready to implement health-promoting policies and practices. This includes self-guided resources as well as direct, localized hands-on support.
Learn more about the award and how schools can qualify.
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About Alliance for a Healthier Generation
Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a leading national nonprofit dedicated to advancing equitable whole child health by creating healthier school environments. Since 2005, we’ve partnered with over 57,000 school communities across all 50 states, reaching more than 31.3 million young people. Learn more and join the movement at HealthierGeneration.org, and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and Instagram