fit for learning is a program provided by the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) in cooperation with Healthy Silicon Valley. During the first year, 2005 to 2006, the initiative will focus on 5th grade students in Santa Clara County.

Over the past 20 years, the rate of overweight children has tripled, and today obesity related illnesses like diabetes are affecting children at a rapidly increasing rate and at earlier ages. According to a study released by the California Department of Health Services, physical inactivity, obesity, and overweight cost the state of California an estimated $12.7 billion a year in medical care.

The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE), uniquely positioned to address the crisis of childhood obesity, introduces fit for learning, a multi-faceted initiative that will increase physical activity and encourage healthy nutrition among elementary school students in Santa Clara County. fit for learning addresses the environment at every level: the classroom, the school, the district and community.

The goal of fit for learning is to create school environments that promote healthy nutrition and physical activity for the children of Santa Clara County. fit for learning will:

• Provide a classroom resource guide that will permit teachers to easily incorporate healthy nutrition and physical education into classroom learning;
   
• Establish and support a school site "Champions" program that will train individuals to promote the development of healthy school environments;
   
• Engage students in creating healthier campuses;
   
• Engage fit for learning partners to reinforce the healthy environment through after-school programs and parent involvement
   
• Develop and advocate for education policies that will support healthy nutrition and physical education on the school campus.