The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation and School Specialty recently celebrated an exciting achievement: the transformation of their 100th learning space through the Extra Yard Makeover initiative. The latest project, a refreshed media center at North Dade Middle School, marks a significant milestone in their shared mission to create engaging learning environments for students and educators nationwide.
A Growing Investment in Better Learning Environments
Together, the CFP Foundation and School Specialty have invested more than $5 million to redesign and reinvigorate classrooms nationwide. These efforts are part of a long-term commitment to ensure schools have spaces that support modern teaching and meaningful student engagement.
With Miami preparing to host the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, this partnership is expanding its impact even further. More than 30 new makeovers will take place across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. By the end of this round, every Miami-Dade middle school will have received a refreshed, innovative learning space.
Why These Transformations Matter
Updated learning environments can make a real difference in how students learn and how teachers teach. Dr. Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, shared that modernized spaces have already improved engagement and learning outcomes across the district. He noted that the renovated media centers and classrooms help spark curiosity and support hands-on learning for today’s students.
Each makeover is thoughtfully designed through the Projects by Design® process from School Specialty. This approach includes in-depth consultations to understand the school’s needs and vision. Past spaces transformed through the initiative include STEM labs, broadcast and media classrooms, libraries and media centers, makerspaces, teacher lounges and wellness rooms, sensory rooms, multipurpose rooms, Esports rooms, and even a mariachi room.
Many of these renovations feature flexible furniture, updated technology, fresh supplies, and custom murals that bring new life to the space.
A Space That Brings a Community Together
For some schools, these makeovers do more than enhance learning; they build community. Nicole Fama, Executive Director at Phalen Leadership Academies, shared how their 2024 media center makeover changed day-to-day life. What was once just a room is now a vibrant space used for senior breakfasts, athlete signing days, family events, and teacher celebrations. It has become the “heart of the community.”
Supporting Teachers and Students
The initiative also tackles some of today’s biggest challenges in education, including teacher burnout and student engagement. As School Specialty’s Director of Strategic Account Development, Jeremy Westbrooks, explained, the physical space is one of a teacher’s most important tools. A modern, well-designed classroom helps teachers stay focused on student growth and helps students feel more connected to their learning.
The CFP Foundation echoes that sentiment. Executive Director Britton Banowsky emphasized that these projects wouldn’t be possible without School Specialty’s design expertise and generosity.
A Nationwide Effort
Over the years, Extra Yard Makeovers have been supported by bowl games, conferences, sponsors, and host committees for each College Football Playoff National Championship. To date, makeovers have taken place in 18 states across 58 counties, with each project bringing meaningful improvements to the school communities they serve.
Learn more about the Extra Yard Makeover initiative by visiting the CFP Foundation’s website.
Discover School Specialty’s work in learning environment design at SchoolSpecialty.com.
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