Our Program
Led by a licensed educator and UIC faculty member, we provide a health and wellness program that focuses on nutrition and physical activity for Chicago youth. Through interprofessional collaboration, we create and implement standard-aligned lesson plans that are hands-on and relevant to youth, increasing self-efficacy and positivity with food and movement.
History
We began in 2016 with 6 UIC graduate students and 12 Chicago youth, and we’ve had over 200 UIC undergraduate and graduate students enroll as mentors and over 300 Chicago youth participate over the last 10 semesters.
Mission
We want to empower youth to take ownership over their lifestyle choices to build a positive relationship with food and movement.
Vision
Together, UIC students and Chicago youth form relationships through hands-on educational opportunities that motivate learning beyond the classroom walls and into their communities.
Format and Feasiblity
We are a FREE program that places zero burden on the school, teachers, or families. We serve as an enrichment program to the core curriculum by engaging students during lunch, recess, elective, or before or after-school hours.
HWA Highlights
- Evidence-based practice
- Multi-tiered mentorship
- Multi-disciplinary collaboration
- Recipe sharing with youth and families
- Engaging physical activity
- Community interaction through food and fitness events and technology
- Publications based on program
