Michelle Obama announces nationwide contest to fight childhood obesity; $500,000 in prizes

As part of her Let’s Move initiative to fight childhood obesity, First Lady Michelle Obama announced a contest today that will give away $500,000 in prizes. The Active Schools Acceleration Project will reward the most “creative, impactful and scalable school-based programs and technological innovations that promote physical activity for children,” a press release reads.

“We know there’s so much good work going on all across this country to get our kids up and moving every single day,” Obama said. “So we want to find the best school programs and technology ideas that increase physical activity for kids — and then help them reach even more children throughout America.”

The competition features two categories: school programs and technology innovation. Teachers, schools or entire districts can submit their in-school activity programs, which could include a curriculum, activity, environmental modification, event or other initiative. The technology innovation category can include devices, tracking and measurement systems, software applications, social media, gaming and smart phones that encourage kids to be physically active.

Applications will be accepted through April 2. For more information, click here.