COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF FOUNDATION
MAY 2022
NEWSLETTER
PLAYING IT SMART
CFP Foundation and the Peach Bowl Support Atlanta Teachers through Academic Mentoring Program
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he College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation is proud to support the “Play it Smart” Academic Mentoring Program in Atlanta, in conjunction with Peach Bowl, Inc. and Atlanta Public Schools (APS). The beauty of the program is that it gives assistance to teachers in providing academic coaches to work with student-athletes in 11 inner-city high schools. The teachers’ overall efforts are amplified, as the academic coaches strive to maximize the students’ personal potential. Their focus is to keep the students in school, help them improve study habits and raise grade point averages, provide SAT and ACT test preparation
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resources, work directly with teachers for academic progress and encourage the students to apply and transition to college. Peach Bowl, Inc. is the only entity in the nation to fully fund a program like this for an entire school district. “When I first looked at this program, the first thing I said was, ‘Why on earth wasn’t this around when I was in school 30 years ago?’,” said APS Athletics Director Jasper Jewell, whose primary role is to hire and manage the academic coaches for the mentoring program. “These academic coaches are extensions of the teachers and the classrooms. They get a chance to work with these kids on and off the field. Our kids are
getting this wonderful resource from the Peach Bowl and the CFP Foundation, and it is incredible. It is priceless. It truly is.” The academic coaches are key, focusing on the students which, in turn, supports the teachers. “The teachers already have the weight of the world on their shoulders,” said Travis Stroud, an academic coach at Midtown High School. “We try and teach the kids to be accountable and present. Teachers have so much responsibility and we try and alleviate some of the pressure and clutter on the student. We encourage them to be more engaged with their teacher and show an effort. It can really go a long way. And everyone is so supportive — the principal, the counselors and of course the teachers.”
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APS teachers are very happy to have the support from the program and the academic coaches, helping every one of their students reach success. The program helps efficiency and overall effectiveness in the classroom. Krista Sanders, who teaches math at Benjamin E. Mays High School, was introduced to the Play it Smart program last year. Several student-athletes were struggling with their grades. The creation of a tracking system resulted in a better academic focus, a higher achievement rate and a sense of community and belonging, helping her maintain the only goal that matters — learning.
in their respective activities as well as in the classroom.” The numbers don’t lie. The program currently supports more than 460 APS studentathletes who average a GPA of 81.7 (compared to 79.5 for their peer group) and a graduation rate of 97% (peer group is 80%). “It’s hard to overstate the contributions that the Peach Bowl has made to their community. The investments to support literacy across Atlanta Public Schools were remarkable and were highly impactful. We are proud of our partnership with the Peach Bowl,“ said CFP Foundation Executive Director Britton Banowsky. “Supporting children and education are two primary pillars in If we set the expectations, clearly our philanthropic work and the communicate the expectations, Atlanta Public and maintain the expectations, then School System students will rise to the occasion and is a significant part of our effort. meet the expectations. Since 2007, we’re responsible for KRISTA SANDERS more than $3 BENJAMIN E. MAYS HIGH SCHOOL MATH TEACHER million in funding “If we set the expectations, for this and other programs to clearly communicate the support APS,” said Gary Stokan, expectations, and maintain the Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO and expectations, then students will president. “We want to continue rise to the occasion and meet to help educate and graduate the expectations,” said Sanders. these students to give them the “Through the Play It Smart program, best chance for success. Our bowl in collaboration with site-based game was created to give back Academic Coaches and classroom and we will continue to support teachers, student athletes have a APS and our other charitable network of supporters committed partners as college football’s most to helping them achieve their charitable bowl organization.” best. We must continue to expect Many examples of success our athletes to be leaders both come to fruition every year.
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Nasir Lomax was an offensive lineman at Midtown High School who began his high school career with a GPA of 1.8 and ended it with a full-ride scholarship to play Division One FCS football at Delta State University. Kari Burroughs is a hardworking all-around student athlete who entered his senior year with a 2.8 GPA. Because of his hard work, Presbyterian College (South Carolina) expressed interest in him and offered him a $17,000 academic scholarship due to his improvement in the classroom alongside his academic coach and the Play It Smart program. Amari Hodges was part of the Play It Smart program throughout his high school career at North Atlanta. Even though he struggled academically due to his medical diagnosis (ADHD), his Play It Smart coach made it a point to communicate with him 2-3 times daily, staying in constant contact with his mother and his teachers. There was no greater emotion than seeing him walk across the stage to receive his diploma. His coach was sitting near the graduates as they lined up and when Amari saw his Play It Smart coach he yelled out and said, “Mr. Genwright, this is all because of you.” When he
This is the reason I made it. You cared for me and my future when I didn’t have the strength to care, and I am forever grateful. AMARI HODGES NORTH ATLANTA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
was asked about his thoughts on the program, Amari was elated and quickly said, “This is the reason I made it. You cared for me and my future when I didn’t have the strength to care, and I am forever grateful.” “The student-athletes are more in-tune to what their grades are, and that is important,” said Stroud. “The teacher sees a rise in participation, which is always good. And at the end of the day, these kids have better grades and that is what we are striving for. I can’t think of a better reward.” Added Jewell, “The Peach Bowl has made an investment towards education and literacy in our district. The success that we have had with the program is how I’ve been able to get my superintendent to the table and extend this program to middle schools and elementary schools. And the leadership at the Peach Bowl is outstanding and they have our kids’ best interests at heart. It’s very personal for me because I was one of these kids, growing up in Atlanta.”
WE LOVE LA
THE NEXT CHAMPION WILL BE CROWNED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
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he College Football Playoff (CFP) officially kicked off the countdown to the 2023 CFP National Championship in Los Angeles with an introductory press conference on April 19 at SoFi Stadium. The buildup CALIFORNIA DREAMING: CFP Foundation Executive Director Britton of excitement Banowsky talked about how the will include a CFP Foundation staple — organization will work with the LA Organizing Committee on a strategy to a commitment support teachers in Los Angeles and towards teachers and education in the Inglewood. local community. Stay tuned for more details on the great things coming for Southern California educators.
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AREA UPGRADE
School Specialty and CFP Foundation Team Up to Transform Media Centers at Three Indianapolis Schools
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his past January, the Georgia where School Specialty and the Bulldogs won the College CFP Foundation team up to create Football Playoff National dynamic learning environments Championship, but they weren’t the within schools in the area where only big winners the National in Indianapolis. Championship game is School Specialty, being played. The CFP in partnership foundation chooses with the College deserving schools Football Playoff that will benefit from Foundation (CFP the makeovers, and Foundation) and School Specialty the Indianapolis works with them Host Committee, to design modern helped deliver spaces that support innovative active and engaging media centers at learning. School Specialty has been a three deserving This partnership valuable partner in the effort schools between has already provided to improve learning spaces September 2021 over 20 makeovers nationally. and January 2022. in six cities. These The donation Indianapolis schools is part of the Extra Yard Makeover are the latest schools to receive Project, an annual tradition of giving exciting transformations.
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VICTORY COLLEGE PREP, SEPTEMBER MAKEOVER
This public K-12 charter school on Indianapolis’ southeast side, received a media center with the latest solutions to fuel student success. New equipment for the media center included iPads and other tablets, virtual reality headsets, books, a projector, a 75-inch TV monitor and a Bluetooth speaking system. School Specialty designed the dynamic learning environment and donated high-quality, flexible furniture including makerspace tables, height adjustable tables and chairs, soft seating, and mobile bookcases.
GARDEN CITY ELEMENTARY, NOVEMBER MAKEOVER This PreK- Grade 6 school needed a space to engage students in hands-on, STEAM-based learning activities. Supplies donated for this
EVOLVING EDUCATION: School Specialty and the College Football Playoff Foundation team up to create dynamic learning environments for deserving schools.
makeover included circuit starters, engineering kits and prototyping materials, as well as popular art supplies such as Play-Doh and Kinetic Sand.
PHALEN LEADERSHIP, JANUARY CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK MAKEOVER
This tuition-free charter school for grades 7-12 takes pride in ensuring scholars thrive as leaders at home, in their communities. To help them achieve their mission, this media center makeover included new books, new technology and a dynamic learning environment design filled with updated furniture.
THREE DESERVING SCHOOLS. ONE IMPORTANT PURPOSE.
“With these makeovers, teachers have a tremendous tool right at their fingertips,” says Sue-Anne Highland, PhD, National Education Strategist at School Specialty. “From PreK through High School, our goal is to be a trusted partner, a resource, and a solution source for the tools that teachers need.” All three of these Indianapolis school initiatives are examples of how School Specialty furthers this goal and fulfills its mission of “Transforming more than classrooms.” Students and educators are delighted with these makeovers and are already
benefitting from the educational value they offer. In addition to the school makeovers, School Specialty supported educators at the annual Extra Yard for Teachers Summit in Indianapolis. School Specialty sponsored a Teacher Lounge, creating a comfortable space for teachers to relax and recharge during the event. Twenty lucky teacher attendees won School Specialty merchandise certificates ranging from $50 to $500. School Specialty also provided over 300 goody bags for summit attendees as well as over 100 Goody Bags donated to Teachers Treasures.
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FULL BOWL
Bowl Season is All-in When it Comes to Supporting Teachers
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he College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation was in Orlando last month for the Bowl Season Annual Meeting, a gathering of every college football bowl game and their leadership. More than 400 people were in town representing bowl games from coast to coast, as well as the various business partners and college football administrators that support Bowl Season all year long. The CFP Foundation and Bowl Season entered into a partnership last year that saw every bowl game participate by recognizing educators on the CFP Foundation’s “Big Day” during Extra Yard for Teachers Week in September, while 26 bowl games participated in grant-matching programs (generating an additional $500,000 invested in education). In total, over $2 million was invested in 2021 by all bowl games into programs that support teachers. The two entities made the exciting announcement at the Bowl Season Annual Meeting that the partnership will continue for the 2022-23 season. To kick off the Annual Meeting, Bowl Season, Florida Citrus Sports and the CFP Foundation teamed up with DonorsChoose to fund up to $60,000 worth of valuable classroom projects for teachers at 38 Orlando-area schools, including four eligible schools in The Communities of West Lakes near Camping World Stadium. The official announcement came down
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PROVIDING RESOURCES Bowl Season, Florida Citrus Sports and the CFP Foundation dedicated up to $60,000 in teacher support through a matching-funds program in Orlando. on a Tuesday morning as part of a personal surprise for a special teacher who has been focusing on bettering young people at Jones High School in Orlando and preparing them for adulthood. Naggine Georges — better known as Miss G — received a surprise visit from the executive directors of both the CFP Foundation and Bowl Season (complete with a cheering audience of her students). The visiting party let her know that her DonorsChoose project, “Miss G’s Morning Wake-Up Pantry,” was being funded. It is a project that helps keep Jones High School students satiated and motivated between meals and throughout the day.
“I am so honored and so grateful,” said Miss G. “These kids mean the world to me and they’re going to make a mark on this world. This is so exciting and so wonderful for the many teachers in Orlando who are trying to give our kids an impactful learning experience. Thank you to everyone involved.” The overall investment will include up to $60k in classroom resource projects in the Orlando area, thanks to a $10k investment by Bowl Season combined with investments by both the CFP Foundation and Florida Citrus Sports ($30k combined total). A matching DonorsChoose page for the general public to contribute has been created to reach the
NOLA TEACHER FEST Appreciation Party in the Crescent City a Big Hit
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he Allstate Sugar Bowl and the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation worked with other local partners to sponsor the inaugural NOLA Teacher Fest, an appreciation party for NOLA Public Schools teachers, held at Champions Square at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Thursday, May 5th. One of the highlights of the event was the distribution of $75,000 worth of DonorsChoose gift cards for New Orleans teachers. The gift cards allow teachers to fund projects in their own classrooms or fellow teachers’ classrooms. “The Allstate Sugar Bowl Committee has worked closely with the College Football Playoff Foundation for several years to support and encourage teachers in this community,” said Jeff Hundley, the CEO of the Allstate Sugar Bowl. “Educators are vital to the success of the city as they develop our future leaders. We’re proud to support Thursday’s event and to provide important assistance for hardworking teachers as they go about their calling.” NOLA Teacher Fest, which is presented by New Schools for New Orleans, was free for teachers and featured a taco bar, a DJ, a brass band, interactive games, raffle prizes and a photo booth. Teachers also received a water bottle or a fanny pack, courtesy of the Allstate Sugar
maximum $60k. Orlando teachers — the funding for these projects are still being matched, so please submit your classroom project to DonorsChoose right away! The Orlando support that day also included “A+ lunches” for five schools within the Lift Orlando footprint for the teachers through the CFP Foundation, including
Bowl and the CFP Foundation. The Booth Bricker Fund also provided funds to sponsor the event. “We know that the most important factor in a student's achievement in the classroom is the teacher. We are excited to continue working with the Allstate Sugar Bowl and New Schools for New Orleans on recruiting and retaining great teachers in New Orleans through this event and other Go Teach programs,” said CFP Foundation Executive Director Britton Banowsky. The Allstate Sugar Bowl is one of the original partners of the CFP Foundation, supporting teachers and education in greater New Orleans.
Legends Academy, West Lakes Early Learning Center, Rock Lake Elementary, Jones High School, and Orange Center Elementary School. “We’re excited to continue the partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation and grow the overall impact on teachers and education,” said Bowl Season Executive Director Nick Carparelli.
“Having every bowl game involved is huge and something we are very proud of.” Florida Citrus Sports, who served as host during the Bowl Season Annual Meeting, is one of the original partners of the CFP Foundation, dating back to when the charitable arm of the CFP was founded in 2014.
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TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK Everyone Around the Nation Took Time to Thank Teachers and Remind Them How Important They Are for Our Children THANK
YOU!
THANK YOU from NOLA to Indy to Las Vegas and everywhere in-between.
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CONGRA TS!
↑ Kansas State and the Big 12 stepped up and gave back.
School makeovers are always worth celebrating!
↑ The Gator Bowl made things happen for Jacksonville teachers.
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