School districts across New York State, including those in St. Lawrence County, can apply for a free four-year leadership development program designed to improve health and wellness.

The Healthy Schools NY Leadership Institute reopened applications for the program, which is funded through a grant from the NYS Department of Health.

Leadership Institute hopes to increase the number of schools that that support tobacco-free norms, promote healthy foods and beverages, expand physical activities, with the idea that comprehensive school health policies can lead to healthy changes that reach beyond the classroom.

The program has a preference for school districts where half or more of students are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Application deadline is May 1.

The application and description of selection criteria are available at http://healthyschoolsny.ocmboces.org.