The Alliance for a Healthier Generation (Healthier Generation) has a strong focus on empowering kids to develop lifelong healthy habits through improved nutrition and increased physical activity. Since 2006, more than 42,000 schools have enrolled in Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program, one of the nation’s largest school-based childhood obesity prevention initiatives. In 2009, Healthier Generation expanded its footprint to the out-of-school space, launching the Healthy Out-of-School Time Initiative, which provides out-of-school time programs across the country, particularly those in under-resourced communities, with evidence-based professional development and the processes, tools, and resources needed to increase children’s access to healthier foods and physical activity.

Healthier Generation worked to increase the number of states, school districts, and schools that are implementing evidence-based policies, practices, and programs related to healthy eating and physical activity in out-of-school time settings. Healthier Generation partners with major national and local organizations, such as National Recreation and Park Association and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to build capacity for this work.

Additionally, professional development and technical assistance was provided to school districts with students at risk for health disparities. The action plan included identifying the strengths and assets of each school district and leveraging these in a collaborative effort. Activities were monitored through an online data collection system, and subject matter experts evaluated improvements. An expected outcome in these school districts was the enhancement of knowledge and skills of key personnel and decision makers.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) provides over four million youth and teens with a high quality Club experience that is a safe place to learn and grow after school, in the evenings and during summers. BGCA’s vision is to keep all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship and living a healthy lifestyle. Through a national network of 4,300 Clubs located across the United States and on US military installations, worldwide, BGCA offers high quality youth development programming, training, data collection, safety procedures, fundraising and 24/7 consultation.

BGCA intended to impact more than 200,000 youth as it implemented its Culture of Wellness framework with the support from CDC funding. This framework aligns with CDC’s initiatives to promote environmental and system changes. Through Clubs, BGCA reached youth in areas with high risks of obesity and chronic diseases. BGCA increased the capacity of 250 partners by implementing professional development and technical assistance events. BGCA updated its educational tools and disseminated these tools through a virtual community of practice and through coalition meetings at the local and national levels. These efforts strengthened the capacities of CDC-funded organizations, schools, state agencies, and out-of-school time providers.

To promote healthy eating and physical activity, BGCA interacted with schools and community partners serving youth who are 6 to 18 years of age and lack access to out-of-school time programs. On a wider level, BGCA worked with national partners to develop strategies and action plans. Furthermore, it leveraged resources and collaborated with private and public sector stakeholders.