IOHSK Announces Recipients of the 2026 Student Club Seed Grants
September 25, 2026 - The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 IOHSK Student Club Seed Grants, an initiative designed to support student leadership, innovative educational activities, health promotion, physical activity, community service, and the development of future leaders. Following a careful review of submitted proposals, IOHSK selected three outstanding student organizations whose missions, proposed activities, and expected impact strongly align with the mission and values of IOHSK. Together, these projects demonstrate how student-led organizations can transform ideas into meaningful action in their schools, universities, and communities. A total of 16 student grant recipients have been recognized as representatives of the three selected clubs. IOHSK will provide $1,500 for Project #1, $1,000 for Project #2, and $1,500 for Project #3, for a total of $4,000 in student club seed funding. Each funded organization will implement its proposed activities during the grant period and will be required to submit a final report, including photographs and documentation of completed activities, by March 30, 2027.
Project #1: Junior Physical Educators’ Society, University of Southern Mindanao, Philippines
Funding Requested: $1,500 USD
Grant Awarded: $1,500 USD
Club Advisor/Recommender:
Dr. Ruben L. Tagare Jr. & Cheeze R. Janito
Five (5) Grant Recipients: Mariel Vanessa M. Alaba (Grant Submitter); Fiel Angelo B. David; Kayzy L. Reusora;
Alexander Welvhon T. Dalumpines; Arnel Linatoc Jr.
The Junior Physical Educators’ Society (JPEDS) at the University of Southern Mindanao represents approximately 320 student members and is committed to preparing future physical education professionals through leadership, service, sports, physical activity, and community engagement. The organization provides students with opportunities to move beyond classroom learning by applying their knowledge through practical programs that promote movement, teamwork, wellness, and healthy lifestyles. Through its IOHSK-supported project, JPEDS will work in partnership with the University of Southern Mindanao Center for Human Kinetics and Wellness Studies to bring physical activity and wellness opportunities to the Bagobo Tagabawa Indigenous community. Planned activities include the introduction of emerging and recreational sports such as Fun-E Ball, pickleball, and disc golf, along with wellness, safety, and physical activity programs. The project is expected to increase access to enjoyable physical activities, develop participants’ physical and social skills, strengthen student leadership, and prepare teachers and youth leaders to continue activities after the grant period. Importantly, reusable sports equipment and activity resources will remain in the community, helping create a sustainable impact beyond the initial project.
Project #2: Students for Service, Midway High School, Texas, USA
Funding Requested: $710 USD
Grant Awarded: $1,000 USD
Club Advisor/Recommender: Krista Basinger & Kayla Elam
Four (4) Grant Recipients: Grace Lee Koh (Grant Submitter); Shachi Jethwa; Elva Qiao; Hana Hunziker
Students for Service (SFS) at Midway High School brings students together to make a positive impact in the Waco community through volunteerism, research, educational outreach, and greater awareness of important community and health issues. The 35-member organization provides opportunities for students to participate in community service while developing responsibility, compassion, teamwork, and an interest in healthcare and research-related careers. With support from the IOHSK Student Club Seed Grant, SFS will undertake a student-led project examining teen vaping behaviors, awareness, and health concerns in the Waco community. The project combines research with health education and community outreach. Students plan to collect local information, develop educational materials, prepare visual presentations, and share their findings with students, families, and members of the broader community. The project is expected to help students gain firsthand experience in community-based health research while increasing awareness of the health risks associated with youth vaping. Educational materials developed through the initiative can continue to serve students and community members after the completion of the research project.
Project #3: Medical Case Studies Club, Los Osos High School, California, USA
Funding Requested: $1,000 USD
Grant Awarded: $1,500 USD
Club Advisor/Recommender:
Andrea McFadden & John D. Fort
Seven (7) Grant Recipients: Umi So (Grant Submitter); Penelope Young; Christine Laktineh; Antony Namy; Abigail Oceguera; Roma Balbas; Ibrahim Taksh
The Medical Case Studies Club at Los Osos High School provides its 35 members with an engaging and accessible way to explore medicine while developing critical-thinking, teamwork, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Students examine realistic medical cases by reviewing symptoms, patient histories, diagnostic testing, and possible treatment options, allowing them to experience the type of evidence-based reasoning used by healthcare professionals. IOHSK funding will help the club expand its hands-on educational experiences through medical simulations, interactive case studies, diagnostic activities, educational materials, student outreach, and community-service initiatives. Planned resources include first-aid and simulation materials, printed X-rays, diagnostic cards, anatomy materials, patient-information sheets, and reusable activity sets. The project is expected to increase student participation, expose more young people to careers in medicine and healthcare, strengthen leadership and teamwork, and expand the club’s community-service efforts. The organization also plans to use reusable materials whenever possible, helping ensure that the benefits of the IOHSK grant continue for future club members.
Investing in the Next Generation!
The IOHSK Student Club Seed Grant Program reflects IOHSK’s commitment to investing in young people who are prepared to lead, serve, innovate, and improve the health and well-being of their communities. From promoting physical activity in an Indigenous community in the Philippines, to addressing youth health concerns in Texas, to inspiring future healthcare professionals in California, these three projects represent the extraordinary possibilities created when students are given opportunities, resources, and encouragement to turn their ideas into action. Congratulations to all three student organizations and the 15 grant recipients! IOHSK looks forward to following their progress, celebrating their accomplishments, and sharing the impact of their projects with our international community in 2027.
International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is an international, non-governmental, non-profit, and professional organization funded by Xplore Nations Inc, a non-profit organization 501(c)(3) in the United States. IOHSK is multilingual, multiethnic, and multicultural and comprises universities, colleges, institutions, and individual members from across the globe. As of September 2026, IOHSK has nearly 37,000 members in 109 countries. Copyright © 2020-2026 All Rights Reserved. International Organization for Health, Sports, & Kinesiology (IOHSK). www.facebook.com/iohsk www.iohsk.org office@iohsk.org www.youtube.com/@iohsk2020
