Joint Use promotes healthy lifestyles through community partnerships by encouraging schools and other community organizations to share indoor and outdoor spaces like gymnasiums, athletic fields, playgrounds and walking tracks to increase opportunities for children and adults to become more physically active and lead healthier lifestyles.
The Arkansas Joint Use Agreement (JUA) Grant is a competitive application process made possible and supported by Arkansas' governor and the Arkansas Tobacco Excise Tax. These funds help schools adopt and implement joint use policy which allows schools to form community partnerships to maximize resources while increasing opportunities for physical activity. All projects should focus on increased physical activity.
Previous grantees can be viewed at http://www.arkansased.gov/public/userfiles/Learning_Services/School_Health_Services/JUA_Grantees_District_County_Map.pdf.
A JUA refers to a school forming an ongoing partnership with one or more entities, organizations, or city leaders to share indoor or outdoor space to meet shared goals and community needs. Through the shared use of space, schools and communities see a fiscal benefit while providing added amenities and services for both students and other community members. These funds are not intended to create new programs, but rather to increase access to existing recreational facilities. A JUA outlines the parameters for non-school entities to use public school facilities/grounds and/or for public schools to use non-school facilities/grounds.
The applying Arkansas public school must act as the lead grantee and the fiscal agent for the grant funds awarded.
All Arkansas public school districts are eligible to apply. To be eligible for funding, the joint use partnership must be between an individual school district and a local government agency or non-profit organization. The school/district and its joint use partner(s) must show proof that each will contribute resources and long-term stability to the proposed project and facility. Eligible school districts may apply for 2-6 awards based on their size. Districts with the following student populations are eligible for the associated number of awards per year:
Applications were to be submitted by February 26, 2021. A similar deadline is anticipated, annually.
Award amounts vary. Funds are available each fiscal year based on Tobacco Excise Tax appropriations or until funds are expended.