Chandler Unified has been recognized as the top-fundraising school district in Arizona for the 2024-25 Kids Heart Challenge, a national wellness initiative of the American Heart Association.

CUSD raised $175,331 to support the fight against heart disease and stroke, according to a news release.
This year, 27 of Chandler’s 43 schools participated in the program, which teaches students and families about heart-healthy behaviors, Hands-Only CPR, stroke warning signs, and the importance of giving back.

More than 16,500 CUSD families accessed wellness resources and 585 students completed “Finn’s Mission,” gaining lifesaving CPR knowledge.

Riggs Elementary School and Knox Gifted Academy took the top two spots out of all the schools in Arizona who participated for Kids Heart Challenge participation and money raised.

“We are incredibly honored to recognize Chandler Unified for their leadership in wellness education and their tireless dedication to building a healthier future for students and the wider community,” said Ciara McCleer, school engagement director with the American Heart Association. “Your impact is felt far beyond the classroom.”

Among the many students empowered by this initiative were six “heart hero survivors,” who were celebrated individually for their strength and courage.
“Chandler Unified’s impact is saving lives, and your leadership sets the standard for others across the country,” McCleer added.

In recognition of this outstanding achievement, Chandler Unified has also been selected as one of only 25 school districts nationwide to be featured in a new Heart Association webpage initiative, highlighting the work being done in CUSD to support student health and wellness.

The district has contributed a lifetime total of $2.6 million raised for the Heat Association. These funds have helped these solutions happen:

• Placement of more than 400 CPR kits in Arizona schools from 2020, helping train an estimated 100,000-plus students.

• Support for 25 regional hospitals receiving “Get with the Guidelines” awards for high-quality cardiac care.

• Reached 500-plus community members yearly through wellness initiatives in at-need communities.

• Funded more than $2.8 million in medical research across five Arizona institutions, including Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.

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