U.S. Department of Education Announces New PEP Awards

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) announced that the U.S. Department of Education has released the names of the recipients of the FY 2012 Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grants.  More than $27 million in new PEP grants will be distributed to 56 school districts and community based organizations across the country.  The balance, approximately $51 million, will be used to fund 2nd and 3rd years of PEP grants awarded in FY 2010 and FY 2011. The average new PEP grant will be approximately $482,000. PEP funds are used to purchase fitness and sports equipment and to train PE teachers in innovative methods of physical education.

Also, there is a specific nutrition requirement which PEP programs must meet:  “The programs must offer instruction in healthy eating habits and good nutrition.”

The Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) Bill, a legislative priority of SGMA's, funds a competitive grant program to give school districts and community based organizations resources to provide students with quality, innovative physical education.  With access to PEP grants, school districts are able to cultivate future generations of active Americans through innovative physical education programs.

Click here to read the complete list of the 2012 PEP grant award winners — posted on the U.S.  Department of Education’s website.

Click here to see all previous PEP grant winners.

“The ongoing, annual message that SGMA, its member companies, and celebrity athletes bring to Congress through SGMA’s National Health Through Fitness Day each March continues to resonate.  When we take our resources and invest in fitness and sports, it will provide solid, tangible returns through healthier students who perform at higher levels in the classroom,” said SGMA Chairman Larry Franklin (President; Franklin Sports; Stoughton, MA).  “Our industry and our education colleagues need to keep our legislators and policy makers behind this effort.”

“SGMA is pleased that our efforts on PEP have resulted in nearly $80 million for schools to spend on equipment and training in the next 12 months to improve the health of America’s youth,” said Bill Sells, SGMA’s vice president of government relations.  “The PEP funding has helped hundreds of schools and has affected millions of children.  In a nutshell, the PEP funding makes physical activity and physical education a reality.”

“Securing funding for PEP remains one of SGMA’s top annual legislative priorities,” said SGMA President Tom Cove.  “SGMA and our member companies applaud the effort by Congress for appropriating nearly $80 million into school district budgets in order to enhance physical education and increase physical activity for youngsters.  The PEP funding is truly making a real difference in our children’s health.”

“The funding from PEP is a tremendous boost to the national movement focused on getting more people active, especially in the school environment.  As school budgets are squeezed, this PEP funding is a vital element in the ongoing effort of encouraging innovative physical education programs around the country,” said Jim Baugh, SGMA board member.