About American Heart Challenge

Six high school age girls sitting on stands inside a gym, three of them on one row and the other three on the row in front of and below them, smile toward the camera.

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

What is the American Heart Challenge?

The American Heart Challenge program teaches middle school and high school students about a healthy lifestyle, engages them with the mission of the American Heart Association as they raise lifesaving funds and lets them have lots of fun physical activity at school.


Why should your school register to participate?

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 $3,500 in grant funding.

High Schools: Grant Funding and Scholarships

  • The American Heart Challenge provides leadership development and volunteer opportunities for students.
  • Juniors and seniors who participate in the American Heart Challenge can apply for a $1,000 scholarship.
  • Participating schools can apply for up to $3,500 in grant funding.


How does it work?

The American Heart Challenge prepares students for success by strengthening their physical and emotional 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.