Indianapolis, IN - In January 2022, the College Football Playoffs will take place in Indianapolis, but before it does the College Football Playoff Foundation will kick off the season by gifting PLA Indy school, James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy, with a media center makeover.

“Despite the many challenges and losses our scholars faced this past year, they have continued to excel with the incredible dedication of our educators and support of our families and community, ” said PLA CEO and Founder, Earl Martin Phalen. “We are honored and excited that the CFP recognized an opportunity to invest in our scholars by providing the media center makeover.”

James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy, JRP, is one of four Indy area schools to receive “extra yard makeovers.” The schools were identified based on criteria, including the percentage of students from low-income households and the verified need for a media center makeover in that building. The makeover will provide JRP with new computer stations, tables, chairs, and comfortable seating areas for reading and studying.

"These makeovers will provide resources to schools to transform school spaces with enhanced technology and creative design to meet the demands of 21st Century teaching and learning," said Susan Baughman, president of the CFP Host Committee Board.

Since 2014, it has been the CFP Foundation’s tradition to work with the College Football Playoff host city and local education partners to identify ways to make a lasting impact on education in that city. The media center makeover at JRP has been made possible by a partnership between the CFP Foundation and The Mind Trust, a local education nonprofit that has partnered with JRP since its doors opened in 2017.

About James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy is an A-rated, tuition-free charter school for grades 7-12. Our ultimate vision is that our scholars master key academic skills, and demonstrate strong character, as exhibited by: honesty, service to others, a superior work ethic, and a strong vision for and belief in their futures. We believe that with the right education, all children can ​fulfill their ​tremendous ​innate potential​. 

About the College Football Playoff Foundation and Extra Yard for Teachers The CFP Foundation is the community-engagement 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