La Sierra High School is a place where students don’t just learn, they grow, connect, and discover who they are. As one of five Riverside schools to become Blue Zones Project Approved, La Sierra is fostering a campus culture rooted in well-being, belonging, and a shared commitment to living better, together. To help bring that vision to life, we provided mindfulness resources to enhance the student wellness center and large yard games that encourage students to engage with one another and build community during lunch and break times. We also supported the school’s CTE culinary program by providing crockpots for a student-led cooking demonstration and healthy food tasting event featuring a Blue Zones-inspired recipe created by students, for students. Together, these initiatives encourage healthy habits, strengthen social connections, and empower students to take an active role in creating a positive and supportive school environment.

Norte Vista High School has always believed in the potential of its students, and this achievement is a reflection of that commitment. As one of five Riverside schools to earn Blue Zones Project Approved status, Norte Vista is going beyond academics to invest in the whole person, helping students, staff, and families thrive in every sense of the word. To support student well-being, we provided yoga mats and yoga blocks to help expand the school’s student yoga program, creating more opportunities for students to build mindfulness, reduce stress, and support their overall health and wellness.

Middle school is a time of big changes, and Wells Middle School is making sure its students navigate those years with support, encouragement, and a strong sense of community. As one of five Riverside schools to become Blue Zones Project Approved, Wells is empowering young people to make healthier choices and build meaningful connections that will serve them for a lifetime. To support healthy eating both on and off campus, we provided crockpots, shared a Blue Zones-inspired recipe, and hosted a cooking demonstration for students and families. The initiative was met with an enthusiastic response from the community and sparked interest in continuing similar healthy cooking and nutrition programs in the future.

In the heart of the Arlanza neighborhood, Arlanza Elementary School has always been more than just a place of learning, it’s a place where community begins. As one of five Riverside schools to earn Blue Zones Project Approved status, Arlanza Elementary is embracing a whole-child approach to well-being, supporting students, staff, and families in building a healthier, more vibrant future together. We partnered with the school to launch its first Walking School Bus initiative, “It’s Not Scary to Walk to School,” encouraging safe, active transportation to campus. We also supported enhancements to the student garden, a beloved space that is maintained through the dedication of a volunteer teacher and serves as a hands-on learning environment for students.