The Los Angeles Rams & United Way of Greater Los Angeles Launch New Education Initiative, Character Playbook™

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Rams and United Way of Greater Los Angeles today announced the local launch of Character Playbook^TM, a new education initiative focused on youth character development and building healthy relationships. Initially launched nationally during the 2016 NFL Draft, the interactive digital program will now be implemented directly in schools throughout greater Los Angeles. The initiative is powered by education technology leader EverFi, Inc., which works with more than 20,000 K-12 schools and 1,300 colleges.

Character Playbook uses evidence-based strategies to educate students on how to cultivate and maintain healthy relationships during their critical middle school years. The course is comprised of six interactive, digital modules that cover key concepts around positive character development, social-emotional learning, and building healthy relationships. Designed for 7^th – 9^th graders, the digital learning experience enables students to engage in true-to-life scenarios that include bystander intervention strategies and positive relationship examples.

"We are delighted to partner with the Los Angeles Rams and EverFi to bring this dynamic program to Los Angeles and continue our efforts in ensuring quality education among students throughout the area," said Elise Buik, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Los Angeles. "A strong education not only encompasses traditional subjects like math and science, but also positive social skills. As peer relationships play a critical role for social and cognitive development among adolescents, empowering students to cultivate these skills during this critical time will position them for greater character development well into adulthood."

"At the Rams, our ability to positively impact our community is at the core of who we are as an organization," said Kevin Demoff, chief operating officer, Los Angeles Rams. "As we return home to Los Angeles, we are excited to partner with United Way and EverFi to help build strong character and instill important values within the students of L.A. The leadership traits that they develop through Character Playbook will have a long-term impact on this community as these students grow to be productive citizens helping to contribute to a better Los Angeles." 

"We often assume young people will simply find their way to positive character and healthy relationships, but it is a skill that can be taught and nurtured," said EverFi Chief Operating Officer, Tammy Wincup. "The NFL and United Way are committed to helping lift up communities and they are thrilled to bring Character Playbook to students across Los Angeles."

The launch event at the Santee Education Complex on Thursday, September 29^th at 12:30 p.m. featured Rams players Cory Harkey and Chase Reynolds. More than 700 students participated, along with local district and city officials.

About The Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams – Los Angeles' original professional sports team – stands as one of the oldest franchises in the National Football League and since its founding in 1937, has garnered three World Championships and sent 29 of its members to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As a professional sports team, the organization is committed to being a valuable civic partner and serving the greater Los Angeles area 365 days a year. For more information, visit www.therams.com and follow the Rams on Facebook and Twitter, @RamsNFL.

About The United Way of Greater Los Angeles
United Way of Greater Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization that creates pathways out of poverty by helping homeless people move into housing, providing students with the support they need to graduate high school prepared for college and the workforce, and helping hard-working families become financially stable. United Way identifies the root causes of poverty and works strategically to solve them by building alliances across all sectors, funding targeted programs and advocating for change. For more information, visit www.unitedwayla.org.

About EverFi, Inc.
EverFi is the education technology innovator that empowers learners of all ages with the skills that prepare them to be successful in life and work. With backing from some of technology's most innovative leaders including Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, and Twitter founder Evan Williams, EverFi has built the most comprehensive critical skills digital platform serving more than 12 million students. Learn more at www.everfi.com.

SOURCE United Way of Greater Los Angeles

Related Links

http://www.unitedwayla.org