The CFP Foundation and Cheez-It® Partnership Continues To Impact Teachers Nationwide

By: Madyson Lesley

The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation’s partnership with the Cheez-It® brand continues to make a powerful impact on classrooms nationwide through the Extra Yard for Teachers initiative. Now in its third year, the collaboration is helping thousands of teachers access the resources they need to create engaging, student-centered learning environments. 

This ongoing partnership began in 2023 and has continued to grow each year to recognize teachers across the country who have their students “Feelin’ The Cheeziest” both in and out of the classroom. In its first year, former college football student-athletes surprised their former teachers with classroom grants and personal visits, both in-person and virtual, to express their gratitude for the impact they made beyond the field. One of those moments featured Ole Miss linebacker Jon Sawnson returning to his high school to surprise his former U.S. history teacher with a classroom grant, a gesture that captures the heart of the partnership’s mission.

“The CFP Foundation is honored to partner with our friends at Cheez-it to support teachers across the country,"

said Britton Banowsky, Executive Director at the College Football Playoff Foundation. "Both of our organizations recognize that great teachers change lives and are vital to the success of every community. We look forward to seeing this partnership continue to make an impact well into the future.”

Over the past two years, Cheez-It and the CFP Foundation have expanded their efforts through collaborations with local grocery retail partners to give back directly to schools within those communities. These activations have helped fund classroom projects through DonorsChoose and support educators who go the “extra mile” to make learning possible. 

“Cheez-It is thrilled to once again partner with the College Football Playoff Foundation and Extra Yard for Teachers to give back to educators who truly elevate the teaching profession," said Cara Tragseiler, Senior Brand Director for Cheez-It. 

As this partnership continues to grow, the CFP Foundation and Cheez-It remain committed to celebrating educators, strengthening classrooms, and connecting communities through the shared love of college football.