Thomas L. McKenzie Research Award Grant

Thomas L. McKenzie Research Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Society Of Health And Physical Educators
Amount: Up to US $2,000
Last Updated: July 22, 2025

Summary

The Thomas L. McKenzie Research Award, offered by SHAPE America, supports emerging researchers in physical education and public health. With a funding pool exceeding $600,000 since 1997, it provides annual awards of up to $2,000 to graduate students and early career professionals (within 4 years of graduation) who are members of SHAPE America. The focus is on behavioral research related to physical activity, particularly in natural environments, contributing to disease prevention and promoting overall health.

Overview

Society of Health and Physical Educators 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 Mission: To advance professional practice and promote research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance and sport. Research Grant Program Over $600,000 in funding has been awarded through the SHAPE America Research Grant Program since its inception in 1997. The program is administered through the Research Council and is designed to fund member projects of value to the SHAPE America professions. Thomas L. McKenzie Research Award The Thomas L. McKenzie Research Award promotes the development of future researchers in the field of physical education, physical activity, and public health. To support this purpose, SHAPE America will provide one or more annual awards of up to $2,000 to graduate students or early career professionals (within 4 years of graduation) who are members of SHAPE America. Primary consideration will be given to the study of physical activity in natural environments such as schools, parks, and home settings (not laboratories) and as it relates to disease prevention (not rehabilitation). Funds will be used for the study of behavior, not mentalistic (e.g., self-concept, literacy) or biological (e.g., heart rate, cholesterol) outcomes. Studies can relate to the promotion of physical activity at the individual, group, or societal (e.g., policy) level.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Current graduate students or early career professionals (within 4 years of graduation) conducting behavioral research related to the study of physical activity policy or promotion are encouraged to apply. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.