The Philadelphia Eagles & United Way Of Greater Philadelphia And Southern New Jersey Launch Character Education Initiative

Philadelphia, PA /PRNewswire/ - The Philadelphia Eagles and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey have announced the local launch of Character Playbook™, a new education initiative focused on youth character development and building healthy relationships. The interactive digital program will be implemented directly in schools throughout greaterPhiladelphia. This 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 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 7th – 9th graders, the digital learning experience enables students to engage with true-to-life scenarios that include bystander intervention strategies and positive relationship examples.

"For nearly five decades, the NFL and United Way have worked collaboratively to enrich and inspire the lives of millions in our communities," said Julie Hirshey, Director of Community Relations, Philadelphia Eagles. "Implementing Character Playbook right here in our backyard will empower our leaders of tomorrow to cultivate the critical life skills that lead to the development of strong and healthy relationships with others. We look forward to building this comprehensive program in our schools alongside the United Way ofGreater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, and EverFi."

"A quality education is more than the latest textbooks or technology – it's about equipping students with the skills they need to learn, thrive and grow." Jim Cawley, president & CEO, UWGPSNJ said. "Investing in Character Playbook allows us to do just that by helping youth create positive relationships and develop character. By teaming up with the Eagles and EverFi, we're able to create a measureable, lasting impact that none of us can achieve alone."

"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. "We're proud to be working with the United Way and Verizon to bring Character Playbook to students across Philadelphia."

The launch event at William Dick School on Monday, October 10th will include Eagles players and more than 300 students, school district and city officials will attend the event.

About United Way Of Greater Philadelphia And Southern New Jersey
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, serving communities in Pennsylvania's Chester, Delaware, Montgomeryand Philadelphia counties, and New Jersey's Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May and Cumberland counties, is part of a national network of more than 1,300 locally governed organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and in people's lives. United Way engages the community to identify the underlying causes of the most significant local issues, develops strategies and pulls together financial and human resources to address them, and measures the results. United Way is advancing the common good inGreater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey by positively impacting the lives of people throughout the region in the areas of education, income, and health. For more information about United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey visit www.unitedforimpact.org.

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.