The Arizona Organizing Committee and College Football Playoff Go the Extra Yard for Glendale Schools
PHOENIX (Oct. 6, 2015) – The Arizona Organizing Committee (AOC), in conjunction with the College Football Playoff Foundation, today announced full funding for more than 50 classroom projects in Glendale, Ariz. schools through the College Football Playoff (CFP) Extra Yard for Teachers initiative. Cactus District Vice Mayor Ian Hugh and the AOC made the announcement during a ceremony at Challenger Middle School, awarding more than $34,000 to fulfill a variety of classroom needs ranging from new school supplies, books and technology to field trips and science experiment kits.
“The commitment that the College Football Playoff organization has made to our teachers and educational initiatives through their Extra Yard for Teachers program has created a lasting impact for our city as a host community,” said City of Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers. “The second annual College Football Playoff National Championship will be played here in Glendale on Jan. 11, but the CFP’s support of our community, schools, students, and teachers has already created many positive impacts that will be recognized and appreciated for years to come.”
The announcement signals the start of Extra Yard for Teachers Awareness Week, which will run through Oct. 10, as well as the AOC’s commitment to leaving a charitable legacy in Arizona as part of hosting next year’s national championship game. The AOC will provide $1 million in charitable contributions, the majority of which will benefit education in Arizona through Extra Yard for Teachers.
“Next year’s national championship game provides opportunities for Arizona beyond hosting a celebration of college football. It also allows us to underscore the importance of education by supporting students and teachers in our local community,” said Brad Wright, co-chair of the AOC. “We are proud to partner with the CFP and Extra Yard for Teachers to champion the teachers that work tirelessly to make a difference in their students’ lives each day.”
As the CFP Foundation’s primary philanthropic initiative, Extra Yard for Teachers, strives to honor, celebrate, inspire and empower great teachers. In addition to fostering a college-going culture among students and providing leadership training and professional development for teachers, the program provides direct funding for classroom projects through a partnership with DonorsChoose.org.
Teachers throughout Arizona are encouraged to list classroom projects on DonorsChoose.org. To sign up or support classroom projects through Extra Yard for Teachers, visit collegefootballplayoff.com. For more information about the AOC’s local contributions or to stay-up-to-date with the latest announcements, visit azchampgame.org.
About the Arizona Organizing Committee
The Arizona Organizing Committee (AOC), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the host of the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship. Comprised of local leaders in business, tourism and sports, the committee’s mission is to raise the funds needed to host the game and accompanying events, and to provide the best possible championship experience for all attendees. The AOC is committed to driving statewide economic growth, while reinforcing Arizona’s standing as the world-class destination for world-class events.
The 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on January 11, 2016. For more information about the AOC, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.azchampgame.org or call (480) 505-4515. For news and event information, follow the AOC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the College Football Playoff Foundation and Extra Yard for Teachers
Extra Yard for Teachers is the College Football Playoff Foundation’s primary philanthropic initiative to honor, celebrate, inspire and empower great teachers nationally and in the communities that host the College Football Playoff. Extra Yard for Teachers seeks to support teachers through the development and implementation of programs in four key focus areas: direct provision of resources, teacher recognition, professional development and leadership training, and by inspiring a college-going culture.
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