Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award Grant

Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Society Of Health And Physical Educators
Last Updated: August 13, 2025

Summary

The Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors young professionals who have made significant contributions to research in curriculum and instruction within health and physical education. Eligible candidates must be current SHAPE America members and have 3 to 6 years of experience post-doctorate. This award emphasizes active involvement and scholarship in the field, encouraging innovative research that enhances educational practices for preK-12 students.

Overview

About SHAPE America Health and PE Teachers Prepare Students to Live Their Best Life. SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators serves as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education professionals across the United States. The organization’s extensive community includes a diverse membership of health and physical educators, as well as advocates, supporters, and 50+ state affiliate organizations. Since its founding in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in school-based health education and physical education. For decades, SHAPE America’s National Physical Education Standards have served as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country, just as the SHAPE America National Health Education Standards serve as the foundation for effective skills-based health education. Together, these national standards provide a comprehensive framework for educators to deliver high-quality instruction and make a positive difference in the health and well-being of every preK-12 student. Our Vision A nation where all children are prepared to lead healthy, physically active lives. Our Mission To advance professional practice and promote research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance and sport. Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award The Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award recognizes an outstanding young professional for his/her exceptional contributions to research in the field of curriculum and instruction.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. EligibilityBe a current member of SHAPE America.No minimum or maximum age requirement.The nominee must be at least 3 years, and no more than 6 years, out of a doctoral degree to demonstrate an established track record beyond dissertation.Agreement by the Helen Heitmann Young Scholar Award recipient to attend the C&I Forum at the SHAPE America National Convention to receive the award in person.Award CriteriaThe nominee shall exemplify service to and active involvement in the curriculum and instruction field.The nominee shall have demonstrated scholarship by being the primary contributor to a body of research within the past 3 years that makes a significant contribution to the field of curriculum and instruction. Evidence of this distinction might include the innovative nature of the work, its impact on the field, or its impact on the application of knowledge.The work shall reflect high scholarship by exhibiting accuracy, critical ability, and thoroughness.Must demonstrate an emerging record of contributions through scholarship to curriculum and instruction in Health Education and/or Physical Education.General RequirementsPosthumous nominations may be made not later than five years after death of the nominee.A person may be a candidate for no more than one award during any one year. In the event that a nomination for one person is received from two or more different nominators and the nominations are for different awards, the nominee shall choose the award for which s/he wishes to be considered. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. Be a current member of SHAPE America.

Ineligibility

Individuals may not receive the same award more than once.Individuals currently employed by SHAPE America are ineligible to be considered as candidates for SHAPE America awards.Individuals currently serving as members of the Recognition Awards Committee are ineligible to be considered as candidates for SHAPE America awards.