Anchorage — The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) announced that it has been awarded $1.15 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program to re‑establish the Presidential Fitness Test in Alaska’s public schools. The funding will be distributed to school districts statewide, allowing them to purchase assessment equipment, provide professional development for teachers, and recognize students who meet age‑appropriate fitness goals.
State leadership backs the initiative
Governor Mike Dunleavy praised the effort, saying the executive order that revived the fitness test “allows Alaskan students to refocus on the benefits of health and well‑being.” He added that the collaboration between the Departments of Health and Education & Early Development will help “better the future of health of Alaska.”
How the program will work
DEED will work with each district to conduct needs assessments, build statewide capacity, and deliver the resources needed to begin testing in the 2027‑28 school year. Commissioner Deena Bishop described the rollout as “an exciting step in returning to a priority of health and fitness of our student population.” The Department of Health’s Commissioner Heidi Hedberg echoed the sentiment, noting that the test gives schools another tool to encourage kids to move more and develop lifelong healthy habits.
Link between fitness and academic success
Research cited by DEED continues to show a strong connection between student health and academic achievement. Physically active students are more likely to attend school regularly, stay engaged in lessons, concentrate better, and achieve higher test scores. By supporting fitness, the state hopes to improve both classroom outcomes and overall community well‑being.
Federal support and broader context
The Rural Health Transformation Project is funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, part of a larger $272 million assistance award. While the federal grant underwrites the program, the state’s $1.15 million allocation demonstrates Alaska’s commitment to aligning local health initiatives with national priorities set by Executive Order 14327.
What families can expect
Students who meet the fitness standards for their age group will receive an achievement award signed by President Donald Trump. Officials say the recognition aims to motivate children, involve families, and reinforce the message that health is a shared responsibility.
Looking ahead
DEED plans to monitor implementation closely, gathering data on student participation and outcomes. The department hopes the program will serve as a model for other states seeking to integrate physical fitness into their education systems while respecting local community needs.
For more information about the Presidential Fitness Test, visit the White House’s official page.
Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.
