Aaron Carrel, MD, was recently awarded a 2 year grant of $291,882 from the University of Wisconsin Medical Education Research Committee (MERC) for his project, “Effects of Environmental Opportunities and Barriers to Physical Activity, Fitness, and Health in Hispanic Children in Wisconsin”. The ultimate goal of this project is to report findings back to schools and communities to a) inspire children (and families) to make more healthful choices; b) guide schools and school systems on decisions affecting building location and ‘safe routes to school’ programs; and c) involve local leaders in implementing change in transportation and land use plans and policies through community participation, dialogue with community leaders and including participating children.