As schools across the state continue to navigate serious budget pressures, the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) is providing Michigan educators with complimentary one-year access to EPEC Moves K–5: Foundational Units as part of Michigan Moves Month. The statewide campaign encourages residents throughout Michigan to increase their physical activity during May.

“We are committed to supporting the health and wellness of Michigan’s children by ensuring educators can continue offering quality physical education programs, even during times of financial strain,” said MFF President and CEO Amy Ghannam. “As a nonprofit focused on healthy living and expanding access to physical activity, we are proud to make this curriculum available to educators across the state.”

EPEC Moves is a modern digital physical education program built around the principles of physical literacy and aligned with SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards. Through its physical literacy approach, the curriculum helps students develop the abilities, understanding, and confidence necessary to participate in a wide range of physical activities throughout their lives.

“EPEC Moves provides educators with flexible online resources that work in a variety of learning environments,” said MFF Vice President of Programs Marci Scott. “Its unique structure, carefully planned lesson progression, and well-organized content allow teachers to customize the curriculum to best fit their classrooms and students.”

Michigan educators who participate will receive:

The EPEC Moves K–5: Foundational Units package features eight instructional units and 40 lessons for every grade span. Developed using research-based practices, the lessons support students as they progress through age-appropriate skill development at a pace suited to their individual growth. This approach helps children gain confidence, reach their potential, and build lifelong healthy activity habits.

Click here if you would like to sign up.

The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded $740,000 in grants to 18 educational organizations as part of Duke Energy Florida's ongoing commitment to education and workforce development across the state. These funds will support various energy and engineering programs aimed at benefiting a wide range of students. Grant recipients will organize career exploration field trips and summer camps for K-12 students, provide teachers with resources to enhance learning programs, and promote energy and resiliency research at Florida universities.
 
“Education has the power to ignite lifelong passions,” said Melissa Seixas, state president of Duke Energy Florida. “We are honored to support a variety of innovative programs this year that offer students new pathways toward careers in energy, engineering, and climate resiliency.”
 
The University of Florida (UF) received a $75,000 grant to fund three energy-related educational initiatives. One of these, the "Energy Education, Mentoring, and Scholarship Program," will offer scholarships and research opportunities to diverse students focused on energy. As part of this program, eight engineering students interested in the energy sector will be awarded $2,000 Duke Energy Scholar grants. Additionally, UF will develop a Sustainable and Resilient Energy Engineering Certificate (SREEC) to encourage student-led research using solar energy infrastructure at the UF Energy Research Park.
 
"UF is dedicated to using community-based strategies to advance economic and workforce development throughout Florida," said Maria Gutierrez Martin, associate vice president of the UF Foundation. "Our collaborative efforts are helping students from middle school to college better understand the energy grid, preparing students for careers in solar energy, and supporting five Florida communities in planning for a resilient environmental future."
 
In Volusia County, FUTURES Foundation will use a $30,000 grant to enhance student participation in three energy-focused initiatives within Volusia County Schools. These programs will focus on solar, electrical, and plant energy design studies.
 
“FUTURES deeply appreciates Duke Energy's ongoing support. This grant will enable students to engage in STEM programs at Rose Bay," said Shimene Shepard, executive director of FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools. "Although we live in a coastal area, many students will experience the water for the first time through this opportunity."
 
The full list of grant recipients includes:
 
K-12 Education:

 
Higher Education:

 
Click here if you want more information on the Duke Energy Foundation.