Currently, Hands-On: Real-life Lessons for Middle School Classrooms is implemented in middle schools in the southeast region of the United States, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. The curriculum provides teachers and administrators with all the necessary instruction, resources, supplies and support needed to implement the program free of charge.

Initially, funding for the Hands-On: Real-life Lessons for Middle School Classrooms program was provided by the United States Department of Agriculture's National Integrate Food Safety Initiative and the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Because Hands-On has experienced more than 300% growth in the past school year, it needs to expand its funding in order to provide programming to more schools.

In the 2008-2009 school year we were able to add more than 21 new schools; but because it costs an average of $2,200 to implement the curriculum into one new school, Hands-On: Real-life Lessons for Middle School Classrooms is seeking partnerships with corporations wanting to become more involved in their communities.

Collaboration between our corporate sponsors and Hands-On: Real-life Lessons for Middle School Classrooms will be a strong and mutually beneficial relationship that will result in healthier lives for adolescent students, their future families and communities. Through your involvement, you will increase awareness of your brand among middle school teachers, students and parents. Direct marketing opportunities are available through promotional program materials, including folders with corporate sponsor logos that are sent home with each student. Corporate sponsors will also be highlighted on the Hands-On website.