The Building Healthy Communities: Step Up for School Wellness (BHC: SUFSW) program is a Michigan-wide school health initiative focused on empowering K-12 schools to transform into healthier learning environments. The program supports physical activity, nutrition, social and emotional learning, and staff well-being. It is a collaboration between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Department of Education, and several other state agencies and educational partners.
Schools can apply for a wide variety of flexible, customizable resources under three core focus areas: Physical Activity and Physical Education, Healthy Eating and Nutrition Education, and Well-Being. Examples include equipment for active recess, smoothie kits, breakfast carts, SEL education tools, suicide prevention training, and food pantry support.
Eligibility is open to all public, charter, or private nonprofit schools in Michigan. The program is highly customizable to meet individual school needs and is structured around a five-step implementation model: building a school health team, assessing health environments, gathering tools, developing health goals, and evaluating progress.
Applications are due May 30, 2025, with awards announced in August 2025 for implementation during the 2025–2026 school year. Participation includes mandatory use of Michigan’s Healthy School Action Tools (HSAT), development of a School Improvement Plan health goal, and completion of a short year-end survey.
