The New England Patriots and United Way Celebrate Local Students’ Engagement in Digital Character Education Program
May 3, 2017
Seabrook, NH – Today, the New England Patriots, United Way of the Greater Seacoast and Granite United Way and educators from Rochester Middle School recognized over 125 active students in the Character PlaybookTM program, an education initiative focused on youth character development and building healthy relationships.Character PlaybookTM is the latest innovation in the more than 40-year partnership between the NFL and United Way. The New England Patriots, United Way of the Greater Seacoast and Granite United Way bring this web-based program to schools throughout New Hampshire, reaching over 600 students since the program’s inception.
Students from Rochester Middle School were celebrated today for their outstanding work within the program. The event featured a panel led by New England Patriots players and cheerleaders and United Way representatives to discuss character development, decision-making, positive influences and communication skills.
“We know that communities can’t thrive unless children thrive,” said Lauren Wool, Director, Community Impact. “At United Way, we envision a community where every child has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. By bringing this education into the classroom, we are putting our region’s students on the path to success.”
“Over the years, the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation has been committed to empowering students with the essential skills needed to make sound social and emotional decisions,” said Josh Kraft, President of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation. “We believe that it is crucial that our younger generations know how to build healthy relationships. Having our players serve as positive role models will help to reinforce that message and we hope that this program will have a meaningful impact on the students in the years to come.”
The Character PlaybookTM initiative was launched nationally during the 2016 NFL Draft and is powered by education technology leader EverFi, which works with more than 20,000 K-12 schools. Character PlaybookTM modules are designed to help students develop healthy relationships and social norms. The program will be evaluated by measuring student knowledge gains as well as attitude and behavioral change.
“As educators, our goal is to prepare our students for successful futures” said Adam Houghton, Principal, Rochester Middle School. “The Character PlaybookTM program educates students on how to cultivate and maintain healthy relationships during their critical middle school years, and we are thankful to the New England Patriots and United Way of the Greater Seacoast for making that possible.”
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About United Way
United Way harnesses the power of communities working together – individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies – to achieve lasting change. United Way is focused on ensuring individuals and families have financial opportunity and achieve educational success by identifying pressing issues and targeting resources toward areas of greatest need, funding the most effective nonprofits and programs, and mobilizing thousands of volunteers. To learn more visit United Way of the Greater Seacoast and Granite United Way.
About the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation is the nonprofit organization established by Robert Kraft in 1994 to support charitable and philanthropic agencies throughout New England. The Foundation’s primary goal is to support programs that aid the youth and families of the New England region by assisting programs that foster cultural diversity, education, family and health. The Foundation has taken special interest in youth programs that encourage education, creativity and development of character. To learn more, please visit www.patriots.com/community.
About EverFi, Inc.
EverFi, Inc. is the education technology innovator that empowers K-12, higher education, and adult learners with the skills needed to be successful in life. Its comprehensive critical skills platform is focused on Financial Education, Digital Citizenship, STEM Career Readiness, Diversity and Inclusion, Entrepreneurship, Character Education, and Health and Wellness. The EverFi Education Network is powered by more than 3,300 partner organizations across all 50 states and Canada and annually reaches 6 million learners. Learn more at everfi.com and CharacterPlaybook.com.