Afterschool Funding Secured: A Major Win for Georgia’s Youth and the Communities That Support Them
This year, Georgia’s state budget includes a major victory for children and youth: a dedicated investment in afterschool programs that help young people thrive socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. This policy win didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of years of research, relationship-building, and a united advocacy effort led by partners across the state. […]
From Soil to STEM: Students at Bethune MS Reimagine School Gardens for All
There was something special in the air at Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School. A new kind of energy. The kind that happens when young people and adults come together not just as teacher and student, but as equal partners. Students hung out in the teacher’s lounge during breaks, hands covered in soil, laughter in the […]
Equity Through Action: Key Milestones in Accessible Physical Activity
At HealthMPowers, we hold ourselves accountable to core values, among them: breaking down barriers to health equity. In partnership with communities, we strive to dismantle systemic obstacles by creating educational opportunities that elevate all voices — particularly those of youth — to drive meaningful change. Our commitment to making physical activity resources accessible for all […]
Mixing Up Healthier Choices: Woodland Elementary’s Student Leaders Serve Up Smoothies and Smiles
At Woodland Elementary in Stockbridge, a group of young changemakers—HealthMPowers’ Student Health Advocates (SHAs)—set out to inspire their peers to make healthier food choices. Fueled by a shared vision, these young leaders turned a simple idea into a hands-on initiative that’s impacting their entire school. From Vision Board to Smoothie Baristas The students started with […]
Youth in Action: Georgia’s Next Generation of Health Leaders Steps Up
The HealthMPowers Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is bringing fresh energy to health advocacy in Georgia. Composed of passionate high school students from diverse backgrounds across the state, these young leaders are on a mission to inspire their peers to take charge of their well-being. Through a focus on mental wellness, physical activity, and nutrition, the […]
Kids Helping Kids: How School Food Pantries are Fighting Food Insecurity
Welcome to the HealthMPowers Champion Series! Champions are advocates who are working towards advancing health equity, food and nutrition access, and mental wellness. “Why can’t we take the [unopened] food that students throw away during breakfast and lunch and give it to that family, so those little boys don’t go hungry?” Carla Harward’s daughter, Sophie, […]
Cultivating Community: The Inspiring Journey of Starlit Roots Farm
Welcome to the HealthMPowers Champion Series! Champions are advocates who are working towards advancing health equity, food and nutrition access, and mental wellness. In the heart of Keysville, Burke County, Georgia, on the historic grounds of the former Boggs Academy, Tianna Neal has embarked on a mission to cultivate a connection between people, the land, […]
Cultivating Change: H.B. Stroud Elementary’s Garden of Good Health
At H.B. Stroud Elementary, seeds of transformation were sown in the hearts of students, sparking a journey toward healthier habits and a thriving school garden. Championing Young Leaders: The Student Health Advocate Program The Student Health Advocate (SHA) Program empowers students to become leaders in community health and fitness. This program equips them with the […]