Foundations to award $200,000 in grants
The Cotton Bowl Foundation and College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation are honoring teachers, in conjunction with the BIG DAY, via a $50,000 grant to the University of North Texas at Dallas Call Me Mister program, a $50,000 grant to Urban Teachers and a $100,000 grant to Educate Texas. These grants are geared to support and celebrate these organizations, specifically as they strive to combat the nationwide teacher shortage.
According to the Texas Education Agency, 43,000 teachers in the state of Texas left the profession during the 2021-22 year. These shortages have a direct impact on educational opportunities for students and disproportionately impact students of color. Each organization is dedicated to retaining good teachers as well as increasing the pool of new educators, especially those representing diverse backgrounds.
Each organization has chosen a teacher or a future teacher to be honored with a surprise presentation as part of the BIG DAY. These individuals will be surprised with a $1,000 gift card and tickets to the 87th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. Several additional teachers from both programs will receive gifts from the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, College Football Playoff and CFP Foundation.