Our Partners
Our success is a function of the teams and partners that support our initiatives.
AT&T
Long-time College Football Playoff partner and sponsor of the annual Extra Yard for Teachers Summit, AT&T’s partnership with Extra Yard for Teachers supports educators and works to close the digital divide. AT&T supports CFP Foundation resources and professional development activities.
Big Game
Big Game supports the CFP Foundation with its Extra Yard Game Ball Recognition Program. Since 2021, over 5,000 educators have been recognized at middle or highschools as part of this program.
Cheez-It
In 2024, Six college football players told Cheez-It about their favorite teachers who had them Feelin’ the Cheeziest – or next-level excited – for academics or their sport. In turn, Cheez-It sent each teacher nominated by the six student-athletes a personalized Cheez-It swag gift box and donated $5,000 directly to their classroom, while making another $5,000 gift to their school. As part of the program, Cheez-It also made an overall donation of $250,000 to Extra Yard for Teachers. Funds were distributed directly to teachers through programs like the Big Day for Teachers when together with Cheez-It, we surprised 198 teachers across 103 schools in Illinois and Michigan by funding for their entire classroom project wish list through DonorsChoose.
Go Teach Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway
To address the challenge in attracting and retaining teachers, the CFPF created the Go Teach initiative in partnership with Dr Pepper to recruit student-athletes into the teaching profession. The partnership has awarded over $1 million in tuition over the first 4 years to the 10 FBS conferences (The American, ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac-12, SEC and Sun Belt), as well as Notre Dame and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), to support and recognize student-athletes who are pursuing careers in education.
Teacher of the Year Experience Presented By Eckrich
Made possible by Eckrich, the College Football Playoff Foundation hosts every state teacher of the year as well as the National Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year and Counselor of the year at the College Football Playoff National Championship. Teachers are treated to a weekend full of fun game week activities including a pre-game movement where they are honors on the field in recognition of the College Football Playoff Foundation’s commitment to supporting the education profession.
ESPN
For over a decade, ESPN has supported the College Football Playoff Foundation’s mission to elevate the teaching profession, investing close to $4 million in education through the regular season Extra Yard for Teachers and postseason Touchdown for Teachers initiatives. During the CFB regular season, ESPN works with the CFP Foundation to bring the college football community together to recognize great teachers on broadcast and social media during Extra Yard for Teachers Week and the Big Day for Teachers.During the CFB postseason, ESPN works with CFP Foundation, Bowl Season and other events to honor great teachers and coaches who have served as influential leaders in schools and in communities across the country.
Nike
Longtime apparel partner Nike provides teachers attending the CFP National Championship Game as guests of the CFP Foundation with custom swag inside the gift bags to create a positive and memorable experience. Nike gift cards are also donated each year during Extra Yard for Teachers Week and Teacher Appreciation Week. With these kind gestures, Nike honors teachers' hard work and dedication in support of the CFP Foundation's mission.
Pop-Tarts
Pop Tarts, sponsor of the Pop Tarts Bowl has teamed up with the CFP Foundation and Florida Citrus Sports to collectively fund over $200K in resources to support educators in the Orlando area. Educators will be recognized in-stadium during the game, and Pop Tarts will advertise the partnership and donation on its packages in December.
Extra Yard Makeover Project Official Supplier School Specialty
The CFP Foundation’s Extra Yard Makeover initiative has transformed and updated learning environments in more than 80 schools across the country. With the help of School Specialty, the CFP Foundation continued to upfit learning spaces at schools across the country and equip teachers with the technology and resources needed to support the needs of students. This past year included upgraded spaces including VR Labs, Technology Media Centers, Art Rooms, Libraries and Teacher break spaces to name a few.