HHS Launches $10 Million Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge

WASHINGTON, D.C.—OCTOBER 1, 2026—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge, a $10 million prize competition that will reward schools and youth-serving organizations for implementing the Presidential Fitness Test (PFT), motivating young people to improve their fitness, and creating positive experiences that build lifelong healthy habits. The PFT is an initiative of the Office of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition to promote physical activity, fitness, and healthy lifestyles among America’s youth.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. joined Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Director of National Health Communications for the Office of the Surgeon General Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, WWE superstars, and leaders of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas to make the announcement and cheer on students participating in PFT activities. The event also marked the launch of Fitness.gov — a central resource for instructional materials related to the PFT.

“Getting America healthy starts with getting our children moving again,” said Secretary Kennedy. “President Trump brought back the Presidential Fitness Test to restore a culture of strength, fitness, and healthy competition for America’s youth. Now we are challenging schools and communities across the country to put that vision into action, reward the best ideas, and spread what works so every child has the opportunity to build healthy habits that last a lifetime.”

“Physical activity is critical to success in the classroom. Research shows that even a few minutes of exercise can sharpen students’ focus, boost comprehension, and help prepare their minds to learn,” said Secretary McMahon. “I am proud to stand with Secretary Kennedy and the Presidential Fitness Council today to support new and creative ways to get more students moving, building healthy habits, and reaching their full potential.”

“The Presidential Fitness Test give kids something every athlete needs: a goal to chase and a chance to prove to themselves what they’re capable of,” said professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau, Chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. “You learn a lot about yourself when something is hard, and you choose to keep going. Then you come back, beat your own mark, and realize you can do more than you thought. That’s how confidence is built. You learn to trust yourself, and that belief carries far beyond sports. I’m grateful to President Trump and Secretary Kennedy for restoring that challenge for students across America, and I’m proud to help lead it.”

“Throughout my life, I’ve learned that physical discipline builds far more than strength — it builds character, confidence and resilience,” said Paul “Triple H” Levesque. “As Vice Chair of the President’s Council, I’m proud to partner with Secretary Kennedy and Secretary McMahon to bring the ‘Get Active’ campaign to schools nationwide and empower students to reach their full potential.”

The challenge is open to eligible schools, school districts, state and local education agencies, and youth-serving organizations and includes two tracks:

• Track 1 – PFT Implementation & Innovation: $7 million in cash prizes for organizations that have implemented innovative PFT approaches with students and can demonstrate results, lessons learned, and a path to sustain or expand their work. Awards range from $20,000 to $1 million.
• Track 2 – PFT Participation & Equipment: $3 million vouchers for equipment and recognition awards for organizations that create an encouraging PFT experience and have a plan to use fitness and sports equipment to support continued physical activity. Voucher amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000.

“Fitness should be about more than a score. It should be about helping young people discover what they are capable of, setting goals, working hard, and coming back stronger,” said Admiral Brian Christine, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health. “This challenge gives schools and organizations an opportunity to turn the Presidential Fitness Test into a positive experience that inspires kids to build healthy habits.”

Organizations must register, implement or administer the PFT with students, and submit their entries by February 5, 2027. Winners are expected to be announced in spring 2027.

Challenge participants will also be invited to join a community of practice to share ideas and lessons learned and support broader adoption of promising approaches to youth fitness.

For more information, including eligibility, registration, submission requirements, and challenge rules, visit Fitness.gov.