History of the THINK Program
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The translational health in nutrition and kinesiology (THINK) program was born out of a series of funded research activities designed to inspire youth to improve their personal health and lifestyle behaviors in Nutrition and Exercise Science against a backdrop of STEM education:
- 2005, Funded as part of Project SUCCEED, the THINK program was first introduced as a method of integrating Nutrition and Exercise Science into a Math and Science curriculum for Elementary School teachers.
- 2006, A grant from Miami Dade County Schools was used to further develop the THINK program to improve “Physical Literacy” in undeserved high school students working with both teachers and students.
- 2007, A McDonalds Foundation grant was awarded to assist in the integration of Exercise Physiology into the high school academic programs in Math and Science
- 2008-2011, The first Children’s Trust Grant for a 6-week THINK Summer program was awarded for undeserved middle school adolescents
- In 2017, The THINK program received a grant to partner with the YMCA to implement the first afterschool THINK curriculum for underserved children in grades 3-6. In 2018, a one-semester THINK program was implemented into the first 7th grade class at a Dade County Public School.
- From 2019-2023, the THINK program received a 5- year grant from the Children’s Trust Foundation to implement the THINK Summer camp on the University of Miami campus for underserved 6-8th grade youth.
- From 2009-2022, the THINK program has been offered for high school students across the country as part of the School of Continuing Education’s “Summer Scholars” program.
At the elementary and middle school level, the THINK program focuses on the translation of nutrition and exercise physiology concepts into positive lifestyle behaviors against a backdrop of STEM learning. At the high school and college level, the program focuses on STEM education and the professional preparation of students for college life and careers in the applied sciences. At all levels, the goal is to extend student knowledge in nutrition and the exercise sciences by laying the foundation of a good STEM education and empowering our nation’s youth to engage in active healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Accomplishments
In the last several years, the THINK program has collaborated with established after-school programs and has demonstrated significant improvements in physical, physical fitness, and nutrition knowledge/behaviors in children and adolescents. Our positive findings underscore the importance of extending the THINK program throughout the community to create a culture of health and fitness among our nation’s youth.