School Health Grant: Reaching for Excellence (RFE) in Texas

The School Health Grant: Reaching for Excellence (RFE) in Texas is administered through the School Health Program of the Texas Department of State Health Services. This program has a long-standing history of supporting school-based health initiatives, having funded more than 100 projects over the past 30 years. Its overarching mission is to promote student health and well-being through initiatives that also strengthen academic outcomes. The program emphasizes the connection between student health and educational performance, recognizing that physical, mental, and social well-being directly influence behavior, cognitive ability, and academic success. The purpose of the Reaching for Excellence grant is to support new or early-stage school health initiatives that align with the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model. This framework integrates multiple components of student wellness, including physical education, nutrition, counseling, and community involvement. The grant specifically targets projects that are either still in the planning phase or have been operational for less than one school year. By focusing on early-stage efforts, the program aims to encourage innovation and provide foundational support for initiatives that have the potential for long-term sustainability. Funding for this opportunity is limited, with two awards of up to ten thousand dollars each available. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must initially cover expenses and then submit documentation for repayment. Projects are expected to use funds to support activities that improve student and community health outcomes. While specific allowable expenses are not detailed, all funded activities must align with the stated objectives of improving well-being and supporting the WSCC model. Applicants are also required to demonstrate how their project will continue beyond the initial funding period, indicating a strong emphasis on sustainability and long-term impact. Eligibility for the grant is restricted to Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. Applications may be submitted at either the individual school level or the district level. Private schools are explicitly excluded from eligibility. In addition to institutional eligibility, proposed projects must actively engage students, their families, and the broader community. This engagement requirement reflects the program’s commitment to holistic health improvement and community integration. The application process is not currently open, but interested applicants are encouraged to subscribe to the program’s newsletter for future announcements. While specific submission mechanics are not detailed, applicants can expect to provide documentation demonstrating alignment with district wellness policies and evidence of support from the School Health Advisory Council. Selected awardees must also designate a primary contact person and comply with administrative requirements, including documentation retention and reporting obligations. Awardees are subject to several post-award requirements that support accountability and evaluation. These include participation in monthly meetings with program staff, submission of both process and outcomes evaluations, and adherence to reporting and documentation standards. These requirements indicate that the program places significant importance on both implementation fidelity and measurable outcomes. For additional information or clarification, applicants may contact the program directly via email or phone. The program does not specify a fixed timeline for application cycles or award notifications, but given its history and structure, it is likely to be offered on a recurring basis. Interested entities should monitor communications closely to ensure timely participation in future funding rounds.

Ensure strong alignment with WSCC model and district wellness policy; emphasize sustainability beyond initial funding; include measurable evaluation outcomes