Carol M. White Physical Education Program - PEP
Grants to Drive Growth in Physical Education

Summary of PEP and the SFIA

The SFIA is the leading advocate to promote and secure PEP each year. We are cultivating future generations of physically active Americans through innovative Physical Education to increase demand for SFIA member products.   

More Information on PEP
PEP continues to be threatened by budget cuts and a proposed Department of Education plan to consolidate PEP with counseling programs then let states determine how federal funds would be distributed. Since 2002 the program has provided almost $800 million in federal funds dedicated to physical education.  PEP funds are used to pay for teacher training and equipment needed to provide quality P.E. in schools and community-based organizations.  

Despite cuts in the FY 2012 budget, PEP received level funding of $78 million and new grants were awarded. In lieu of accepting new applications, the Department of Education awarded FY2013 PEP grants using leftover FY2012 applications. PEP is in position to be level funded in 2013, although the formal Department of Education Budget has yet to be approved.

With Congress more focused on federal spending, PEP will continue to be threatened in future budgets. The House has already proposed eliminating PEP altogether and the President to consolidate PEP with counseling programs under Safe, Successful and Healthy Students Programs which would lower PE funding.  

On NHTF Day, SFIA and its allies will stress near term academic achievement, social behavior and attendance benefits of PEP and positive long term impact on health to reduce medical spending. Our goal will be to keep PEP as stand-alone program with dedicated funding. 

CLICK HERE to read the latest stories involving PEP

For more information on PEP, contact Bill Sells at 301.495.6321 or at bsells@sfia.org.