SHAPE America 2026 Recap: Innovation, Recognition, and the Future of Student Fitness
- May 9
- 3 min read
Updated: May 10
The energy at SHAPE America 2026 was undeniable. Educators, researchers, school leaders, and industry innovators from across the country gathered to share ideas, explore the future of health and physical education, and celebrate the impact of student wellness initiatives nationwide.
For FitnessGram, this year’s conference was especially meaningful as we showcased exciting advancements, celebrated one of our most influential leaders, and connected with educators who continue to transform student health outcomes every day.
Introducing New Fitness Assessment Items
At SHAPE 2026, FitnessGram proudly presented three of our newest fitness assessment items designed to support more comprehensive student fitness measurement and engagement:
The Plank
The Handgrip Assessment
The Vertical Jump
These additions represent FitnessGram’s continued commitment to evolving alongside modern physical education standards and providing educators with meaningful, research-based tools to assess student fitness performance and growth.
As schools increasingly focus on whole-child wellness, functional fitness, and measurable outcomes, these new assessments offer educators additional ways to evaluate strength, endurance, and power while supporting inclusive and student-centered instruction.
Celebrating Dr. Gregory Welk’s Lifetime Achievement Recognition
One of the highlights of SHAPE 2026 was celebrating Dr. Gregory Welk, Scientific Director of FitnessGram’s Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) initiatives and valued member of the FitnessGram Scientific Advisory Board.
Dr. Welk received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring professionals who have made sustained and significant contributions to the fields of evaluation, research, and impact assessment throughout their careers.
His decades of leadership, research, and advocacy have helped shape the future of youth fitness assessment and physical activity promotion nationwide. His work continues to influence educators, researchers, and policymakers while strengthening the scientific integrity behind FitnessGram’s trusted assessment platform.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and grateful for Dr. Welk’s ongoing contributions to student health and wellness.
Educator Voices That Inspire
Another standout moment from SHAPE 2026 came from Felicia Ceaser-White, FitnessGram Ambassador, who shared a powerful testimonial about the importance of FitnessGram data within her school community.
Felicia highlighted how FitnessGram assessment data helps drive curriculum planning, supports student fitness goals, and empowers educators to make informed decisions that improve overall student wellness outcomes.
Her insights reinforced an important message echoed throughout the conference: data is most impactful when it helps educators create actionable, individualized pathways for student success.
At FitnessGram, we remain committed to equipping schools with tools that not only assess fitness but also help educators foster lifelong healthy habits and meaningful student engagement.
Exciting News on the Horizon
SHAPE 2026 also gave us the opportunity to preview something exciting for the future of FitnessGram.
While we cannot reveal all the details just yet, we announced an upcoming partnership that will bring even greater teacher support and expanded opportunities for student interaction and engagement.
This upcoming collaboration reflects our continued mission to support educators with innovative solutions that make fitness education more impactful, accessible, and engaging for every student.
Stay tuned — we cannot wait to share more soon.
Thank You, SHAPE 2026
We are grateful to everyone who visited the FitnessGram team during SHAPE 2026, attended our presentations, and shared in these exciting milestones with us.
As physical education continues to evolve, FitnessGram remains committed to being a trusted partner for schools, districts, and educators nationwide by delivering research-backed assessment tools, actionable data insights, and innovative solutions that support healthier futures for all students.
FitnessGram: Proven • Trusted • Ready
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