Letter from CEO

Dear Friends,

What a year it has been. In the wake of a global pandemic, and facing increased systemic inequities, Healthier Generation’s decades-long mission increased in relevance with unparalleled demand from our partner schools, communities, and families to support the physical, mental, and social-emotional needs of our nation. Despite these ongoing challenges, Healthier Generation, alongside many of you, made remarkable strides in advancing whole child health.

This year’s annual impact report showcases our progress and points of pride – while highlighting how we connected with our stakeholders to create meaningful experiences, and a lasting impact in children’s health. This is “The Healthier Generation Experience.” Throughout this report, I hope you enjoy reading, watching, and listening to how this experience played out with our partners – wherever children live, learn, and play.

There were countless Healthier Generation experiences to celebrate over the past year. Namely, we announced our most recent list of America’s Healthiest Schools. Over 400 schools across the country received an award for their commitment to bolstering the physical, mental, and social-emotional health of students, educators, and families. We expanded our award program to honor schools that implemented best practices in up to nine topic areas ranging from improving nutrition and food access to implementing tobacco/vape-free campuses. The evolution of America’s Healthiest Schools is a perfect example of how our approach continues to be one that meets communities where they are, offered with flexibility and delivered with care.

To help us accelerate our efforts to advance equitable whole child health, we announced new board and executive leadership -- including Healthier Generation's first-ever chief health equity officer Cornell Wright. Understanding active kids learn better, we welcomed a new national program, The Walking Classroom, to the Healthier Generation family to expand our collective impact in health and academic achievement.

It is also important to celebrate the people and organizations that support our efforts to advance equitable whole child health and our vision of a world where our children live healthier lives. This year, we received our most significant gift in Healthier Generation history from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Her donation, alongside the continued support of organizations like the CVS Health Foundation, Harmony SEL at National University, Kaiser Permanente, and Kohl’s, enables us to continue our march toward change in whole child health.

I am sincerely proud of what we accomplished together to ensure a healthier generation today and tomorrow. This report is a celebration of you and a reflection of your support and commitment.

Thank you for another incredible year!

With gratitude,