The School Health Program awards funds to Texas schools and school districts for projects that improve or promote health. The projects should engage students, their families, and the community. DSHS award programs have funded more than 100 projects in the last 30 years.  

School Health Grant: Reaching for Excellence (RFE) in Texas  

Research on health and academics shows that there is a strong association between the overall health and well-being of students and their academic performance. Students’ health also affects their behavior, cognitive skills, and attitudes.   

The Reaching for Excellence (RFE) in Texas School Health Grant will fund projects that are in the planning stage or operating for less than one school year. The project must focus on one or more of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model components. Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools can apply for the RFE grants at the school or district level. Private schools are not eligible to apply. Eligible projects should engage students, their families, and the community. They also should include plans to continue the project past the initial year of funding. 

Grant Funds

Two grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded. Funds will be released in the form of reimbursements to award recipients.

Application Information

The application window is currently closed. For other grant opportunities or to be notified when the Reaching for Excellence grant opens, subscribe to the Friday Beat email newsletter.

Project Requirements

The project must: 

• Be in the planning stage or operating for less than one school year.
• Strive to improve the well-being of students and the community.
• Include one or more of the WSCC model components.
• Align with the local school district’s wellness policy.

Grant Requirements

Selected awardees must:

• Provide evidence of the district’s school health advisory council (SHAC) support of the project.
• Have a designated contact person for the duration of the grant.
• Comply with receipt retention, submission, and reporting requirements.
• Attend monthly meetings with DSHS staff for the duration of the grant.
• Provide a process evaluation and an outcomes evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions 

We have answered several frequently asked questions.

If you have other questions, please email schoolhealthawards@dshs.texas.gov or call 512-776-7279

External links to other sites are intended to be informational and do not have the endorsement of the Texas Department of State Health Services. These sites may not be accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information about any of the organizations listed, contact the sponsoring organization.