Zero-Hour Physical Education Initiative

The Zero-Hour Physical Education Initiative is a competitive funding opportunity offered through North Dakota Health and Human Services as part of the broader Rural Health Transformation Program, a federally supported effort established under Public Law 119-21 and administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This initiative is one of several funding opportunities being released over a five-year period to address persistent health disparities in rural and tribal communities. Specifically, this opportunity aligns with Initiative 1: Make North Dakota Healthy Again, which emphasizes preventive health, improved physical activity, and long-term wellness outcomes for youth populations. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development and implementation of structured before-school physical activity programs, known as Zero-Hour PE initiatives, within eligible North Dakota schools. These programs are designed to improve both physical health and academic performance by engaging students in high-intensity exercise sessions prior to the start of the academic day. The initiative is grounded in research demonstrating that consistent morning exercise can enhance cognitive function, increase alertness, and improve academic outcomes. Applicants are required to incorporate seven defined components into their program design, including early morning scheduling, high-intensity activity, heart rate monitoring, and a focus on personal fitness improvement. Funding is intended solely for activities that directly benefit student health and well-being. Allowable uses include program development, staffing, equipment such as heart rate monitors, and transportation for student participation where necessary. However, funds may not be used for teacher wellness, vehicle purchases, or major capital expenditures such as new construction. Approximately 700,000 dollars is available in the first year, with an estimated ten awards of approximately 70000 dollars each. Projects may be renewed annually for up to five years based on performance and continued federal funding. The initial funding period is expected to begin around August 1, 2026, and end on September 30, 2027. Eligibility is limited to North Dakota rural and tribal public and private schools, regional education associations, and school consortiums. Applicants must submit a comprehensive application through the Qualtrics platform, including background information, a detailed project narrative, an action plan with milestones, and a justified budget. The narrative must clearly define the need, goals, strategies, and measurable outcomes, as well as demonstrate alignment with broader RHTP health metrics such as increased physical activity, improved mental well-being, and enhanced preventive health behaviors. Applications are evaluated based on the completeness and quality of the submitted materials, with scoring conducted by a review committee using established criteria. The review process focuses on how well the proposed program aligns with initiative goals, incorporates required components, and demonstrates feasibility and sustainability. Selected applicants will enter into a formal agreement with North Dakota Health and Human Services and must comply with reporting requirements, including progress reports, impact stories, and participation in quarterly meetings and training sessions. The application deadline for the current funding cycle is May 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. A technical assistance call is scheduled for May 4, 2026, and additional guidance materials such as FAQs will be made available online. Applicants are encouraged to submit questions in advance of the deadline. Award notifications are expected following the review process, and funded projects will begin upon execution of agreements. This opportunity does not explicitly state recurrence but is part of a phased multi-year program, suggesting potential future funding rounds.

Ensure all seven required Zero Hour PE components are clearly integrated; align outcomes with RHTP health metrics; demonstrate measurable impact and sustainability; avoid duplicating existing programs