PISCATAWAY, N.J. – In early October, Rutgers Athletics was able to support education initiatives within the local community by utilizing a national program to provide funding to a local school. Through the 'Extra Yard for Teaches' initiative, the department visited the Paul Robeson Community School for the Arts in New Brunswick and presented a teacher with a special gift in recognition of their work, awarding them a $1,000 gift card. Additionally, RU presented the school principal with $1,000 for her to use on a project for the school. 

This special moment happened in partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation and the Big Ten's "Extra Yard For Teachers" event. The program provides two $1,000 gift cards to each Big Ten Conference school, with the university able to choose a local school in the community and specific worthy individuals to receive the funds.

Rutgers' donation went to teacher Jessica Pelaez Merino and principal Violet Robinson. The duo was also invited to the football game against Illinois on November 23 with club tickets.

Paul Robeson Community School for the Arts is an innovative educational institution dedicated to integrating the arts into the learning experience. Named after the renowned African American artist, activist and Rutgers graduate Paul Robeson, the school emphasizes the importance of creativity and artistic expression alongside a strong academic curriculum. By combining rigorous academic standards with a rich arts curriculum, Paul Robeson Community School for the Arts aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are prepared for success in both their academic pursuits and creative endeavors. The school embodies the spirit of Paul Robeson by promoting excellence, creativity, and social responsibility.

Pelaez Merino was born and raised in New Brunswick and majored in English at Rutgers. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University in 2018 and then a Masters in 2019.  She has been at the Paul Robeson school since 2020 and has been teaching fifth grade there since 2021. The funds will be used to purchase Scholastic classroom magazines, enhancing students' access to nonfiction literature in the classroom.

"I am excited to use the funds to add to my classroom library!" Pelaez Merino said. "It is so important for our students to have access to high interest books. I want my students to enjoy reading for fun because reading can also be a hobby. I already asked the students to make a list of books and/or book series they'd like added to the library."

Robinson has been the principal of the Paul Robeson Community School for the Arts for the past six years. She is a strong advocate for arts education and a dedicated public service advocate, committed to fostering equitable and inclusive learning environments that empower and inspire all learners through the transformative power of arts education.

"Knowing that this support will directly contribute to enhancing students' access to valuable resources made the moment truly special," Principal Robinson said. "I was excited about the possibilities the funds will bring and grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on our students' learning experiences. Every day, I have the privilege of creating an environment where children can discover their passion, develop critical thinking skills, and grow into confident, well-rounded individuals."

The presentation happened in Ms. Pelaez Merino's classroom, with the students able to share in the moment with their teacher. The funds will go into shaping and supporting the growth of the next generation of learners to come out of New Brunswick.

"I'm so thankful to Rutgers Athletics for the generosity and grateful to have been chosen to receive these funds," Pelaez Merino said. "As teachers, we get to mold the future and guide students into being good people in the world. I always tell my students that I cannot wait for them to come back to PRCA years from now to tell me all about the wonderful things they've accomplished."
 

About the College Football Playoff Foundation- Extra Yard For Teachers
The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation is the 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving as the community engagement arm of the College Football Playoff, and works in partnership with institutions of higher education, sports organizations, corporations and nonprofits to support educators and improve student outcomes. The purpose of the CFP Foundation is to support PK-12 education by celebrating and elevating the teaching profession with resources, recognition programs, professional development opportunities, and initiatives aimed at recruiting and retaining top-quality teachers.