Today, the Dallas Cowboys, United Way of Metro Dallas, United Way of Tarrant County, and students from Workman Jr. High School celebrated Year Three of the Character PlaybookTM program in North Texas.
During the celebration at Workman, 120 students completed the Character Playbook Experience – a two-part initiative that fuses character discussions with the fun and excitement of football.
Dallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings, Cowboys cheerleaders, school leaders and United Way representatives will present a panel discussion to students that focuses on the values of good character and how to build healthy habits throughout your life.
The students will then be put through a series of football and character education skills activities led by Dallas Cowboys Academy staff and United Way volunteers. The combination training camp and character education workshop will feature stations that emphasize communication skills, overcoming obstacles, positive thinking, and focus.
Character Playbook is 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 Cowboys and United Way bring this web-based program to schools throughout North Texas, reaching over 10,000 students this school year.
“The Dallas Cowboys are excited to enter Year Three of our partnership with EverFi and the United Way on Character Playbook,” said Charlotte Jones Anderson, Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, and Chair of the NFL Foundation. “Character Playbook is a great resource that helps young people learn how to make positive choices and work through the tough situations that they face on a daily basis. We are proud to be a part of something that is making a difference and teaching the values necessary for success.”
United Way of Tarrant County believes the Character Playbook curriculum is a valuable program for students as it provides important lessons on building relationships,” said TD Smyers, president and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County. “This is a great opportunity for students in Tarrant County and we appreciate the partnership with the NFL and involvement by the Dallas Cowboys.”
“We at United Way are proud to build on this partnership with The Dallas Cowboys and EverFi to put opportunity into the hands of North Texas students, ensuring bright and healthy futures,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton President and CEO, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “Together, we are equipping and inspiring youth with the knowledge and skills they need for success in the classroom and in life.”
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.
