Toolbox for the Great Outdoors

Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP)
Description
Funding for non-competitive physical education programs in schools to generate lifelong participation.

Purpose
Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grants provide funding for the development and implementation of physical education programs which promote increased physical activity and healthy lifestyles for children – and support life-long physical activity. The purpose of the PEP grant is not to provide new playgrounds or facilities but may be used to purchase fitness/sports equipment and train teachers in innovative physical education programs. In the two years of the program, the PEP program funded acquisition of treadmills, heart rate monitors, inline skates, climbing walls, ski equipment, fitness assessment technology, as well as a wide range of traditional sports equipment. Funds are also provided for curriculum development, teacher training, student fitness assessments, data collection and evaluations. While equipment purchases are allowable, successful grant applicants propose programs that address various aspects of a comprehensive physical education program.

Background

This is a discretionary, competitive grant program that resides within the DOE’s Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. The PEP program, originally introduced in 2001, has successfully enhanced k-12 physically education programs across the country through grants used for training in state-of-the-art Physical Education equipment and facilities. Projects should address one or more of the following:

  1. Fitness education and assessment to help students understand improve or maintain their physical well-being,
  2. Instruction in a variety of motor skills and physical activities designed to enhance the physical, mental and social or emotional development of every student.
  3. Development of, and instruction in, cognitive concepts about motor skill and physical fitness that support a lifelong healthy lifestyle.
  4. Opportunities to develop positive social and cooperative skills through physical activity participation
  5. Instruction in healthy eating habits and good nutrition and
  6. Opportunities for professional development for teachers of physical education to stay abreast of the latest research and trends in the field.

Annual Funding

The program relies on annual appropriation.

FY 2007: Timeline/Application Information
There will not be a Carol M. White Physical Education Program competition this year.  Because of the number of high quality applications last year, it was decided to use the existing slate to make new awards in FY 2007 for this program.  Announcement of the FY 2007 grant awards for this program late in the spring or early summer of 2007.

FY 2006 Funding Summary:

Appropriation: $72,673,920
Number of New Awards Anticipated: 58
Average New Award: $300,000
Range of New Awards: $100,000–$500,000
Number of Continuation Awards: 291
Average Continuation Award: $188,000

Funding history:

FY 2007 - $73 million. FY2006 - $73.4 million appropriated; FY 2005 - $73.4 million - a 1% rescission), 102 grants awarded; 2004 - $69 million, 250 grant awards averaging $295,000; 2003 - $59.6 million; 2002 - $50 million. According to a report from the Department of Education, the application notice for PEP grants will be on February 27,2006 with applications due on April 12, 2006. The Department of Education estimates that there will be 63 grants at an average $250,000 each. Federal support is limited to 90% of the project costs in the first year and 75% in subsequent years. Grants may be for up to three years in duration. Successful applicants are prohibited from receiving a new award for five years. Extracurricular activities, such as team sports and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program activities, will not be considered.


Decisions on Funding
OSDFS will award grants under this competition to local educational (LEAs) agencies and community-based organizations (CBOs) to initiate, expand, or improve physical education programs, including after-school programs, for students in one or more grades from kindergarten through 12th grade in order to help students make progress toward meeting state standards for physical education. Within the framework of constitutional church-state guidelines, religiously affiliated (or "faith-based") organizations are eligible to apply for these funds provided that they meet the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Grants are equally distributed between LEAs and CBOs serving urban and rural areas. Funds are to be used to supplement, and not supplant, any other federal, state, or local funds available for physical education activities.

Strategies for Success
Because federal agencies cannot directly receive funding under this program, partnerships with school districts and community-based organizations is required. Equipment and other project assets can be used year-round and during non-school hours and may be an outstanding community involvement project for local friends organizations.

Other Useful Information
www.ed.gov/programs/whitephysed/awards.html

Key Contacts