MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE ANNOUNCES SCHOOL GRANTS THROUGH THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF FOUNDATION
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference through the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation’s Extra Yard For Teachers platform is providing funding for its 12-member institutions to establish community-based programs to continue to build positive relationships within each campus community.
During the 2019-20 academic year, the MAC is providing $60,000 -- $5,000 for each athletic program – for academic initiatives at elementary and/or secondary schools. This is the third year of the MAC’s community program and will become an annual event.
“I am extremely pleased to see the diversity of community programs our athletic programs have partnered for this upcoming season,” said MAC Commissioner, Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher. “Our students, coaches and athletic administrators support their campus communities with events throughout the year and this opportunity only enhances our support within each community. In particular, we are pleased to be supporting teachers, who are the cornerstone of our schools and educational system.”
The funding for the grant is provided through the MAC’s partnership with the CFP Foundation.
Akron: Akron Athletics will be recognizing administrators, teachers and students from Leggett Community Learning Center at the Akron vs. Troy game this Saturday, Sept. 21 contest as part of our Extra Yard for Teachers initiative. The money they receive will offset technology fees, such as computers and tech upgrades in classrooms and any further funds remaining will be used for STEM programming assistance.
Ball State: Ball State Athletics will support the Muncie Community Schools for field trips and technology supplements for elementary schools.
Bowling Green: The Falcons Athletics program will provide the grant for Bowling Green Middle School to provide PBIS Rewards, a management system that assists schools with their Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support program. The program assists teachers in recognizing students for meeting behavior expectations.
Buffalo: The Buffalo Athletic program will be donating $5,000 to Buffalo Public School System to purchase sporting equipment and other classroom essential needs for seventh and eighth grade physical education programs. The money from this grant will provide opportunities for Physical Education Teachers to purchase additional equipment which will enhance physical education lessons and make way for more creative and active class sessions.
Central Michigan: The Chippewas Athletics program will provide the grant funding to assist Fancher Elementary, Ganiard Elementary, McGuire Elementary, Pullen Elementary and Vowles Elementary with additional educational supplies.
Eastern Michigan: Eastern Michigan Athletics will provide funding to Ypsilanti Community Schools to provide support and classroom supplies for teachers.
Kent State: The Kent State Athletics program will provide financial support for the Ravenna City Schools after school tutoring program.
Miami: The RedHawks will be using the $5,000 to support healthy living and mental health and obesity initiatives within the Oxford city school system and community. The financial assistance will be used to provide teachers and students with pedometers to promote healthy living and physical activity, while any remaining grant money would be used to supplement equipment for physical education.
NIU: The Huskies will be supporting both the DeKalb School District and the Sycamore School District with shared funding. The DeKalb School District will support faculty and staff professional development as the district will begin to implement its Diversity Plan, which is being constructed with assistance from NIU professors Dr. Cohen and Dr. Adams. The Sycamore School District will use the funds to support Second Steps, a program that involves direct instruction regarding social emotional learning within elementary schools. The program includes strategies for building positive relationships, conflict resolution, making good choices and being kind. One middle school is implementing within the sixth grade an effort to create alignment of similar strategies to enhance a culture of citizenship and learning. This district also has an after-school program called OSCAR, with homework, swimming at the YMCA, engaging with community partners and fun activities.
Ohio: Ohio Athletics will use the $5,000 to randomly select one elementary or middle school teacher during the Ohio vs. Kent State football game on Oct. 19th to receive the funding for their school. As the funds are to be used by the school for materials, supplies, and/or technological advancements.
Toledo: The Toledo Public schools will use the $5,000 to assist with supplies and school materials.
Western Michigan: Western Michigan Athletics selected five area school teachers to be honored during the Western Michigan vs. Georgia State football game with a special on-field presentation last Saturday, Sept. 14. Area principals nominated deserving teachers who were selected and were presented with $1,000 checks for additional school resources within their classrooms.
MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Founded in 1946, the Mid-American Conference is an NCAA Division I, 12-member conference that sponsors 23 championships and is one of 10 members of the Football Bowl Subdivison (FBS). With total enrollment of nearly 300,000 students, the league represents institutions of higher learning in five states - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Ohio.
Current MAC schools and the year they joined are -- East Division: University of Akron (1992), Bowling Green State University (1952), University at Buffalo (1998), Kent State University (1951), Miami University (1947), Ohio University (1946). West Division: Ball State University (1973), Central Michigan University (1971), Eastern Michigan University (1971), Northern Illinois University (1975-86, rejoined in 1997), University of Toledo (1950), Western Michigan University (1947). The conference office is based in Cleveland, Ohio.
About the College Football Playoff Foundation and Extra Yard for Teachers
The CFP Foundation is the community investment arm of the College Football Playoff, supporting education across the country. The CFP Foundation’s primary cause platform, Extra Yard for Teachers, is dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four focus areas: resources, recognition, recruitment and professional development. The CFP Foundation utilizes multiple partnerships to execute its initiatives and support positive educational outcomes. To learn more, visit cfp-foundation.org and follow Extra Yard for Teachers (@CFPExtraYard) on social media.
