Content
Welcome to the HealthierU 2026 webpage! Here you’ll find information about all of our virtual wellness challenges. Programs will be published by semester; Spring 2026 offerings are available now, Summer 2026 programs and challenges will be released in early May, and Fall 2026 programs will be posted in early August.
To access webinar Zoom links, and registration forms for in-person classes and seminars, click here.
For more information on our small group programs, including the Diabetes Prevention Program, Healthy Heart, Healthy Workplace, and Pathways to Healthy Living, please visit Individual Wellness Resources.
Program vs. Challenge
Virtual Program
A Virtual Program is a non-competitive activity designed around a specific theme or goal over a defined timeframe. The objective of a Virtual Program is to motivate participants to consistently practice health-protective behaviors and build long-lasting, sustainable habits. Participants do not compete against one another; instead, the focus is on completing the designated daily action items throughout the program. Additional details, including expectations and activities, will be outlined in the description section of each individual program.
Virtual Challenge
A Virtual Challenge is a competitive activity in which participants work toward completing a specific health-related task. Participants may compete individually or form teams with friends and colleagues to challenge other teams. Virtual Challenges feature a live leaderboard, allowing participants to track progress and rankings in real time.
Spring 2026- Current Program
March to Graduation (Virtual Group Challenge)
Registration Dates: March 27- April 13, 2026
Challenge Dates: April 13- May 9, 2026
Description:
The goal of this challenge is for participants to work together to “march” a virtual journey connecting every Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone and finishing at Memorial Stadium in time for Graduation on May 9, 2026 ( totaling 3,018 miles). Throughout the four-week challenge, participants will receive regular email updates highlighting the group’s progress and featuring different Nebraska Extension Engagement Zones along the way. The journey will kick off in Engagement Zone One on April 13, 2026.
Program Format:
This is a collaborative, team-based challenge; participants will not compete against one another, but instead work together toward a shared goal. The focus will be on tracking movement through distance-based metrics. Any movement that records distance counts; running, cycling, swimming, walking, etc. We ask that all data is converted into miles before submitting when using the Excel tracking sheets!
Participants may choose to automatically sync their activity using the Stridekick app or manually log their progress using a pre-designed Excel tracking sheet.
Prize Information:
There will be three prizes awarded at the end of this program. Three participants will be selected based on a random drawing for the prizes. For every 5 days of participation (where a minimum of 1 mile is submitted per day), a person will be entered to win one of the prizes.
Summer 2026
Gratitude In Action
Virtual Program
Registration Dates: May 1-June 1, 2026
Program Dates: June 1-19, 2026 ( excludes weekends)
Description:
Reset your perspective, build positive habits, and bring more intention into your day through the practice of gratitude. This 15-day program is designed to help you step away from autopilot and start noticing the moments, people, and experiences that add value to your life.
Join your colleagues in a shared journey as each week introduces a new gratitude-focused theme to explore. Through simple reflections and small, meaningful actions, you’ll find easy ways to incorporate gratitude into your routine, whether during your workday, at home, or in everyday moments. Use the provided tools to track your progress as you create lasting habits, strengthen connections, and support your overall well-being.
Participation Instruction:
Registered participants will receive daily emails (Monday-Friday) consisting of different themes of gratitude. Each email will contain a link for employees to practice expressing their gratitude toward the different themes using an anonymous message board. Expressing gratitude using this link is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged.
Stridin' In the Sunshine
Team/ Individual Movement Challenge
Registration Dates: June 30- July 20, 2026
Program Dates: July 20-Aug 9, 2026
Soak up the sunshine with Stridin’ In The Sunshine, a team-based movement challenge designed to keep you active, motivated, and connected during the brightest weeks of the season!
Participants will form teams and work together to log movement minutes each day, whether you’re walking the neighborhood, enjoying a bike ride, dancing in your kitchen, or stretching in the sun. Every minute counts! Teams will compete based on their average movement minutes per member, creating a level playing field where consistency and teamwork matter most.
This challenge is all about making the most of summer, getting outside, boosting your mood, and building healthy habits alongside your teammates. Expect a little friendly competition, lots of encouragement, and plenty of reasons to get moving each day.
How it works:
- Form or join a team
- Track your daily movement minutes (outdoor or indoor!)
- Support your teammates and stay consistent
- Follow the leaderboard as teams compete based on average minutes
Participation Options:
- Stridekick ( highly encouraged)
- Excel Tracking Sheet
Fall 2026
Completed 2026 Programs & Challenges
Healthy Heart, Healthy Habits (Virtual Program)
Healthy Heart, Healthy Habits (Virtual Program)
Program Description:
Healthy Heart, Healthy Habits is a three-week virtual wellness program designed to help participants build daily routines that support life-long heart health. This program focuses on simple, sustainable habits that strengthen the heart, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Each day, participants are encouraged to complete at least one of the five heart healthy habits:
30 minutes of intentional cardiovascular movement: Engage in activities that elevate your heart rate, such as brisk walking, cycling, dance, or cardio workouts.
15 minutes of stress management: Practice techniques like deep breathing, guided meditation, stretching, or mindfulness exercises to support emotional and cardiovascular health.
Check your blood pressure: Stay informed by monitoring your blood pressure at home or at a pharmacy/community kiosk.
Consume your daily serving of fruits or vegetables: Follow guidance from MyPlate.gov to incorporate nutrient-dense produce into your meals.
Consume your daily serving of whole grains: Choose heart-healthy whole grains as outlined on MyPlate.gov, such as oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, or whole-grain bread.
Throughout the program, participants will receive weekly motivational emails, educational resources on heart-healthy living, and opportunities to track progress and celebrate successes. Whether this is your first virtual wellness program or looking to reinforce consistent healthy habits, Healthy Heart, Healthy Habits offers a supportive and flexible way to prioritize your cardiovascular health, one healthy habit at a time.
Program Format:
Participants can select to record their data using the Stridekick app or using a pre-designed Excel sheet. Participants will choose their preferred participation format option on the registration web form.
Spring Into Motion
Challenge Dates: March 2-29, 2026
Challenge Description:
Reboot your motivation, refresh your routine, and reignite your energy through daily movement. This challenge is designed to motivate you to sweep away routines of inactivity and spring into habits of consistent movement!
Join your colleagues in a friendly movement minute competition that will inspire you to get active and stay accountable. Whether you’re moving after work, on your lunch break, or between meetings, every minute counts! Track your movement minutes through Stridekick or using the pre-designed Excel sheet as you build momentum and boost your well-being.