Building Healthy Communities

Elementary School Program

Building Healthy Communities is an evidence-based, elementary program focused on improving the wellness environment in school buildings across Michigan. We help school leaders to improve the physical and mental health of students, instill healthy habits that prevent chronic disease, and make schools healthier places for children to learn and grow.

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BHC by the numbers

Since 2009 the statewide program has reached:

Schools

Teachers

Students & Families

Hear what children, teachers, school leaders and parents have to say about Building Healthy Communities!

“I have been completely blown away at how enthusiastic my kids have been about eating healthier and getting exercise.”

—Parent

“The Building Healthy Communities Program inspired staff and students to become healthier! We began drinking more water and having fruit and veggie snacks rather than sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks. Students were also given opportunity to try fruit and veggies they had not tried before and they realized they liked them and eat them now!”

—Principal

“Building Healthy Communities has become a huge part of our daily lives in the classroom. Students love the nutrition lessons as they get kids talking and thinking about healthy good choices.”

—Classroom Teacher

“Before our physical education equipment was dated and limited. Now there is plenty of equipment to keep all students in classes engaged increasing the time students are active and their outlook on physical education.”

—PE Teacher

“I think that Building Healthy Communities has helped our school because it helps the school be active. I think the Healthy Kids Club is good because you eat healthy snacks and exercise. It’s been a big help for the school.”

—Fifth Grade Student

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The Building Healthy Communities Program is undergoing an exciting transition within our broader school health initiative. We will not be accepting new applications for the elementary school program at this time; instead, we are expanding our impact through Building Healthy Communities: Step Up for School Wellness, a comprehensive K–12 program designed to support school-wide wellness initiatives across all grade levels.

The Building Healthy Communities: Step Up For School Wellness program builds on the success of our elementary model while offering:

Expanded grade-level inclusion (K–12)
Many additional healthy resources available for schools to select
Greater opportunities for school-wide engagement and impact

While we are no longer accepting new applications for the Elementary School Program, we are proud of the many schools and communities that have participated and will continue to support our alumni schools through ongoing access to program resources and materials on this site.

This transition reflects our continued commitment to supporting healthier school communities through innovative, scalable, and inclusive programming. We are grateful for the impact of the Elementary School Program and excited for what lies ahead with Step Up for School Wellness.

For New Schools:

If your school is interested in launching or strengthening a wellness initiative, we encourage you to apply for Step Up for School Wellness resources. This program is now the primary pathway for schools looking to join the Building Healthy Communities network.

APPLY HERE

For BHC Alumni Schools:
We remain committed to our alumni schools and invite you to continue utilizing the resources available on this website to sustain the healthy school environment you built during your year of BHC programing.

BHC alumni schools are also eligible to apply for additional support! Consider applying for Step Up for School Wellness resources related to mental health and social-emotional learning to expand or deepen your school wellness efforts.