April 9, 2021 / Stephanie Gadient Cassel
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 9, 2021) – As part of its legacy programming, members of the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation and the College Football Playoff Indianapolis Host Committee unveiled the first media center makeover at Southport Middle School in Perry Township. With Indianapolis hosting the CFP National Championship in January 2022, the two entities are working together to make a difference with local schools as part of Indy’s CFP Legacy Project.
The makeover focused on primary work areas for the media center, including the addition of new computer stations, tables, chairs and comfortable seating areas for reading and studying. The media center makeover was outfitted with Lakeshore Learning’s Flex-Space furniture line helping Southport Middle School meet the needs of twenty-first century elementary classrooms for decades to come.
In addition to the furniture and workstation upgrades, some of the new low-tech offerings include a sewing machine, button maker and LEGO wall. Android Tablets, 3D printers and App-Enabled Robot Balls are among the high-tech additions to the space.
“Our commitment is to provide each student with a high-quality education,” said Patrick W. Mapes, Superintendent of Perry Township Schools. “Through the generosity of the College Football Playoff Foundation makeover program, we are better positioned to achieve this goal. This investment in Southport Middle’s media center will energize our young learners with top-of-the-line technology in a more inviting space where they can learn and grow.”
In support of the CFP Foundation and its mission to uplift teachers grades K-12, the Indianapolis Host Committee has already committed to invest $1 million in legacy programs in partnership with The Mind Trust. These programs include the Indiana eLearning Lab and Teach Indy and the Extra Yard Makeovers.
Four Indy-area schools were selected for media center makeovers and were identified based upon the percentage of students from low-income households served and the verified need for a media center makeover within the building. These makeovers provide resources for the schools to transform school spaces with enhanced technology and creative design to meet the demands of 21st century teaching and learning.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the host committee and local partners in this investment at Southport Middle School," said Britton Banowsky Executive Director of the College Football Playoff Foundation. "As more students and teachers return to on campus learning, it’s powerful for them to be able to experience a new and innovative media center. This will certainly make a positive impact on students and teachers for many years to come.”
In addition to the media center makeover at Southport Middle School, the CFP Foundation, and Indianapolis Host Committee plan to unveil three additional makeovers throughout the remainder of this year. These locations include:
The CFP Foundation is the community investment arm of the College Football Playoff, supporting education across the country. The CFP Foundation’s primary cause platform, Extra Yard for Teachers, is dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers 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 cfp-foundation.org and follow Extra Yard for Teachers (@CFPExtraYard) on social media.
The 2022 College Football Playoff Indianapolis Host Committee works with the CFP to promote, organize and execute the January 10, 2022 CFP National Championship and its related events in the Indianapolis community. The Indianapolis Host Committee remains committed to a seamless partnership with the CFP and stakeholders to continue making a difference in communities across the state of Indiana after the game and into the future. For more information, visit IndyFootball2022.com.
The Indiana eLearning Lab is a free website for both educators and families to support teaching and learning using educational technology. You can access free virtual workshops each week, resources, lesson ideas, communities of support, and a live chat with educational professionals. For more information, visit eLearningLab.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Stephanie Gadient Cassel
scassel@IndyFootball2022.com
