Four Carter County schools are now using the PowerUp Your School fitness and learning program as a part of the Carter Cares After School Program thanks to the United Way of Carter County. Schools receiving the program include Hampton Elementary, Happy Valley Middle School, Unaka Elementary, and Keenburg Elementary.

“We’re excited to provide this opportunity for students in the after school programs. It aligns with both the education and health focus of United Way and engages students in learning in a fun, active way,” said Crystal Carter, Executive Director of United Way of Elizabethton/Carter County.

PowerUp Your School is an evidence-based physical activity program aligned with academic standards. Students build upon reading and math skills through exercises, activities, and games.

“The Carter Cares After School sites provide an extended learning experience for students. We choose to implement programs, like PowerUp Your School, that provide an opportunity to get students moving and reinforce what they are learning in the classroom,” said Sonya Miller, Carter Cares Program Director. “We’re grateful for this partnership with United Way and their support of Carter County students.”

There are eight elementary Carter Cares After School sites. The after school programs provide students with a healthy snack, physical activity, tutoring and homework help. Miller hopes to expand the PowerUp Your School program to additional schools in 2020.

The PowerUp Your School program is currently in nine school systems across Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia.

United Way of Elizabethton/Carter County serves the Carter County community through a variety of initiatives including PowerUp Your School. The funding for this program was made possible through United Way’s special focus on literacy with Ballad Health.