FAQ: American Heart Association's New CPR Training Grants for School Heart Clubs

What is this new grant program about?

The American Heart Association is launching a financial grant program to equip 40 high school and college Heart Clubs across the country with CPR training and resources, including CPR in Schools Kits and funding for training.

Why is this grant program important?

This program is important because more than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside the hospital each year, and 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, often because they don’t receive immediate CPR.

Who is eligible to apply for these grants?

All registered Heart Clubs with a faculty advisor are encouraged to apply, and no prior CPR credentialing is required - recipients will receive full training and guidance from the American Heart Association.

What do the college grants include?

Twenty college grants include funding for two CPR in Schools Kits (complete with manikins, AED simulators and training materials) and $500 to facilitate CPR training on their college campus.

What do the high school grants provide?

Twenty high school grants provide up to $4,500 to develop a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, provide card-credentialed CPR First Aid AED training, raise awareness with CPR in Schools Kits, and advocate for public policies that make schools safer.

When are the application deadlines and announcement dates?

Applications are due November 20, and winners will be announced December 8.

What are Heart Clubs and how many exist?

Heart Clubs are student-led organizations on high school and college campuses that empower members to lead activities supporting physical and mental well-being, with more than 250 of these student-led groups across the U.S. since starting in the 2024-2025 school year.

How does this program contribute to the Nation of Lifesavers movement?

These grants will add more people to the Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030 by making it easier for students and educators to learn lifesaving skills.

What is the significance of launching this program on World Restart a Heart Day?

Launching on World Restart a Heart Day emphasizes the program’s focus on cardiac emergency response and aligns with the American Heart Association’s mission as the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education and training.