The Big Ten Conference and the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation have jointly announced the continuation of their partnership to enhance the conference’s S.C.O.R.E. (Success Comes Out of Reading Everyday) Program at the Genevieve Melody STEM Elementary School in Chicago. Through this activation in conjunction with Extra Yard for Teachers, the CFP Foundation and Big Ten will be recognizing five Melody School teachers at the 2019 Big Ten Football Kickoff Luncheon on July 19, while providing funds to enhance educational efforts in those teachers’ respective classrooms and schools.
“We are thrilled to continue this partnership with the Big Ten which benefits this fantastic reading program at Melody STEM Elementary School,” said CFP Foundation Executive Director Britton Banowsky. “The ability to help enhance the learning experience for these students under the watchful eye of these impressive teachers is very rewarding.”
Since 1990, the Big Ten has partnered with the Melody School to expand and supplement education opportunities to children in the Chicago metropolitan area with the S.C.O.R.E. Program. More than 600 students ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade attend the Melody STEM School. While the program centers around reading and educational initiatives, the additional funds provided by the CFP Foundation will benefit a multitude of areas for the school and students.
Over nearly 30 years, the S.C.O.R.E. program has impacted approximately 5,000 students, inspiring young people to develop a love for reading while positively impacting national test scores and reading proficiency.
“We are excited to continue, and now enhance, our 30-year relationship with the Melody STEM School through our partnership with the CFP Foundation,” Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delany said. “This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize so many teachers who have helped with our S.C.O.R.E. program over the years, and to financially support initiatives that will positively impact the learning environment for the boys and girls at Melody.”
These five teachers will be recognized at the Kickoff Luncheon after being selected for their encouragement and positive influence they have had on their students: Natasha Gasich, Karla Kimbrough, Kelechi Egwuekwe Maxey, Madeline Philips, and Tammy Pike.
Part of the S.C.O.R.E. program involves a book donation at the end of the year. Student of the Month recipients have been honored with a book that contains a personalized dedication on the inside cover. Each student that participates in the quarterly celebration is presented with their book, and the book can become part of his/her classroom library. Each book relates specifically to the student’s grade and reading level. Each winter, the S.C.O.R.E. program provides sweatshirts for all 600+ students. Additionally, a percentage of the money will be allocated to projects listed at Melody STEM School on DonorsChoose.org.
About the Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 14 Big Ten institutions will provide over $200 million in direct financial support to more than 9,500 students for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women, including the addition of men's ice hockey and men's and women's lacrosse since 2013. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.
About the College Football Playoff Foundation and Extra Yard for Teachers
The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation is the community investment arm of the College Football Playoff, supporting education across the country. The CFP Foundation's primary platform, Extra Yard for Teachers, elevates the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers through the implementation of programs 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 www.cfp-foundation.org and follow Extra Yard for Teachers (@CFPExtraYard) on social media.