The Military Bowl Foundation and its grocery partner, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., are teaming up for the fourth consecutive year to recognize some of the most deserving teachers in the National Capital Region.
Through the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers program and sponsored locally by Wegmans, the Military Bowl Foundation will provide grants for 10 public school teachers to use for their classrooms and their students. Preference will be given to teachers who are veterans, are from military families or serve communities with significant military populations.
Nominations are being accepted through September 30 at https://militarybowl.link/2026eyft. More information about Extra Yard for Teachers can be found at Snapple displays in Wegmans stores throughout the region.
“The Military Bowl is excited to once again join forces with Wegmans and honor some of the special educators who influence the next generation of learners,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “It is important to both the Military Bowl and Wegmans to show our appreciation to those who have dedicated their professional careers to shaping and developing the minds of our future leaders.”
Last year’s Extra Yard for Teachers grant recipients recognized teachers from across the region, including Washington, D.C.; Fairfax, Prince William and Stafford counties in Virginia; and Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Queen Anne’s counties in Maryland.
The Military Bowl Foundation and Wegmans last year also surprised Arlington teacher and 20-year U.S. Army veteran Melissa Dyer-Dewitt with a $1,000 grant to use in her classroom as part of the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Big Day for Teachers. The program is dedicated to supporting and celebrating teachers and saying thank you to amazing educators dedicated to helping kids learn.
This year’s Big Day for Teachers is on Tuesday, Sept. 15 as the Military Bowl joins bowl games across the nation to honor educators.
This year’s Extra Yard for Teachers grant recipients will be recognized at the 2026 Freedom Mortgage Military Bowl on Monday, December 28 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. ET and the game will be televised on ESPN. Tickets for the 2026 Freedom Mortgage Military Bowl will be on sale later this fall. Proceeds from the Bowl benefit Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s 294-acre retreat for wounded, ill and injured service members, their families and caregivers.
“Education opens doors and creates opportunities that can last a lifetime,” said Chris Holland, regional community engagement manager at Wegmans. “Teachers have an extraordinary influence on the success of our communities, and many have answered the call to serve both in uniform and in the classroom. We are proud to continue our partnership with the Military Bowl Foundation, supporting Extra Yard for Teachers, recognizing and celebrating these remarkable educators and the lasting impact they have on the lives of others.”
The College Football Playoff Foundation is 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 U.S. student outcomes. Extra Yard for Teachers, the College Football Playoff Foundation's primary initiative, seeks to elevate the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers.