Physical education is the most evidenced-based solution to get students active today and fit for life. At the heart of the Foundation is the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, the national model for fitness education and assessment in schools.

Originally developed in 1966 under the Johnson administration as the Presidential Youth Fitness Test, the program focused on performance fitness and how a student tested in comparison to his or her peers.

The Obama administration rebranded the program in 2012 as the Presidential Youth Fitness Program with a refocus on health and to improve educational aspects.

The program modernized fitness education in school physical education classrooms by emphasizing student health, goal setting, and personal progress. 

Launched with the PYFP Partner meeting held in June 2023, the NFF is working with partners to reimagine PYFP for today’s youth.

Our goal is to provide students and schools free access to high quality resources and tools to promote physical activity to support both physical and mental health.