MIAMI LOVES TEACHERS AND SOUTH FLORIDA LEGACY PROGRAM
Educational Priorities Focus on Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties
The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation’s work in South Florida, done in partnership with the Orange Bowl Committee and the Miami Host Committee, spans more than 10 years and focuses on educational priorities across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. These investments are predominantly managed through the school districts in these counties, which are three of the largest in the US. By the end of the 2026 school year, the CFP Foundation projects the partnership will have exceeded more than $10 million in investments since 2016.
A primary focus of the Foundation’s work in South Florida is supporting school infrastructure by transforming media and STEM centers. For the 2026 CFP National Championship legacy work and, as part of its EYFT Makeover project, the organization is investing more than $3 million in 40 media centers across all three counties.
The partnership will transform every middle school library in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) into newly-designed innovation centers. Additional infrastructure projects include investments in a state-of-the-art STEAM center for the district and a learning center at the county’s juvenile correctional facility.
The CFP Foundation and Miami Host Committee, alongside MDCPS and the Education Fund, together have also launched Miami Loves Teachers, a comprehensive initiative designed to champion more than 18,000 educators across South Florida. The Education Fund brings 40 years of experience supporting Miami-Dade students and teachers.
The new Miami Loves Teachers platform serves as a central hub for current and future teachers to connect with resources, training, job boards and information about special appreciation events and offers. This work builds on Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ tradition of excellence, as the district earned its fifth consecutive “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education in August.
“Our trajectory of excellence at Miami-Dade County Public Schools is a testament to the incredible work of our students, teachers, staff, and leaders,” said Dr. Jose L. Dotres, superintendent of MDCPS. “Miami Loves Teachers represents the kind of community-wide support that makes the difference in ensuring every educator has what they need to help students succeed.”
“We are thrilled to continue our work in South Florida and support educators by building the Miami Loves Teachers community,” said Britton Banowsky, executive director of the CFP Foundation. “The CFP Foundation works closely with the organizing committee and educators every year to design a meaningful impact strategy that meets the needs of the education community.”
Teachers are bearing the brunt of economic challenges, making it essential to recognize great educators for their work and help provide essential resources essential for the classroom. The Miami Loves Teachers platform addresses these needs by providing grants through its “Teacher of the Week” program, as well as by providing free classroom supplies, professional development and exceptional opportunities that highlight and support educators throughout the year. Spearheaded by The Education Fund, the initiative ensures educators have the tools to succeed and feel valued for their impact.
Research shows that recognition and classroom support significantly improve teacher retention, which directly benefits students and the community’s investment in education. Miami Loves Teachers is on a mission to celebrate educators and drive that impact across South Florida. Visit miamilovesteachers.org to learn more.
The CFP Foundation’s work in South Florida also supports students across all three districts who have expressed an interest in becoming teachers. Through the Extra Yard for Teachers (EYFT) Go Teach program, students will be recognized for their aspirations and encouraged to pursue teaching. Over 1,000 students have been impacted since launch last year.
Finally, the CFP Foundation expects approximately 100 schools across South Florida to participate in its EYFT Honored Schools program, which gives students the platform to nominate teachers for grant awards. This program will kick off in January and will live on on these campuses long after the 2026 national championship game is played, as it does in the other communities that have hosted the title contest.