Aurora Public Schools partnered with the American Diabetes Association to launch a program at several local schools to help curb diabetes and obesity in children, according to a news release.

The program, Project Power, is a free health program for students ages 5 through 12 and launched at Jewell Elementary School April 22. Lessons from the project will reach about 3,200 students at seven APS schools.

Children in physical education classes will learn about making healthy food choices, increasing physical activity and building family and peer support, according to the press release. The program uses activity boxes full of instructive activities and supplies, activity journals with health tips, and group time with educational programming.

Jewell Elementary Principal Lacy Jolly said she is excited to welcome the program into her school to help kids learn early on how to make healthy choices.

“Creating healthy habits both through physical activity and choosing nutritious food is such an important thing for our students to learn early in their lives,” Jolly said. “When children learn to make healthy choices for their bodies, it helps them focus and perform better in the classroom.”

The program also teaches the “GO-SLOW-WHOA” tool, which is intended to guide healthy food choices, the press release said. It encourages more “GO” foods, like whole grains, fruit and vegetables, than “SLOW” foods, like refined grains and full-fat dairy products, and more “SLOW” foods than “WHOA” foods, like simply carbs and sugar-sweetened drinks. 

Rene Gonzalez, the director of health access and quality community impact at the American Diabetes Association, said he is grateful to Aurora Public Schools for embracing the program. 

“Through this partnership, and with the support of the Collaboration for Equitable Health, we are empowering students in Title 1 elementary schools with Project Power — helping young learners build healthy habits for a lifetime,” Gonzalez said. “Together, we are creating brighter futures and leveling the playing field for every child to thrive.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, obesity affects about 125 million Americans. Obesity accounts for up to half of new cases of type two diabetes each year, the release said. Since 2021, Project Power has served more than 50,000 children nationwide.