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A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2009, Grassroots Health (formerly, The Grassroot Project) exists to advance health equity in cities by using sports to reimagine health education in middle schools and mobilizing NCAA athletes as health educators and role models for youth. Our team of staff, volunteers, community partners, educators and more believe in a world where health education is a priority, not an elective. 

Our model capitalizes on the excitement, relatability, and popularity of sports to provide much-needed health education and health promotion programs to middle school youth. Our core programming includes 9-week, in-school programs in which we partner with P.E. and Health teachers to provide physically active, comprehensive health education. All students receive 1 program per year, over the course of 3 years: nutrition & physical activity (6th grade), sexual health (7th grade), and mental health promotion (8th grade). These programs are supplemented by family health education sessions and events that connect participants to other community service providers. In addition, we invest in the leadership training, cultural competency, and professional skills of hundreds of NCAA student-athletes who serve as our program facilitators each semester and ultimately move into their life after graduation with an unwavering commitment to health equity and social justice.