Big 12 Conference Renovated Mylan Park Library
The conference and College Football Playoff Foundation updated the school library as part of its annual fall tour.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Financial Aid
Live Poll
Do you believe conference-sponsored renovations are an effective way to support your local public schools?
Mylan Park Elementary in Morgantown recently unveiled a newly renovated library featuring updated furniture and carpeting. The project was funded through a grant provided by the Big 12 Conference and the College Football Playoff Foundation.
Why it matters
This initiative reflects a broader effort by athletic conferences to invest in local educational infrastructure during their annual tour stops. The project coincides with community engagement events held ahead of major university football games.
Teacher Wendy Smith received the Big 12 Going the Extra Mile award, which includes a $1,000 cash prize. The renovation included new carpeting and library furniture for the school.
The players
Big 12 Conference
This is a collegiate athletic conference that organizes competitive sports programs and educational outreach initiatives.
Wendy Smith
She is a teacher at Mylan Park Elementary who was honored with the Big 12 Going the Extra Mile award.
College Football Playoff Foundation
This organization supports primary and secondary education through various grant programs and community investments.
West Virginia University
This is a public research university located in Morgantown that competes in Big 12 athletic events.
The details
Big 12 officials hosted a celebratory event at the school that featured a choir performance, breakfast, and balloons. The donation served as a centerpiece for the conference's annual fall tour activities in the Morgantown area.
Timeline
The library renovation ribbon cutting and award presentation took place on October 8, 2026.
The Allstate Empowerment Luncheon is scheduled for October 9, 2026.
West Virginia University faces Arizona in a football game on October 10, 2026.
Roadmap
This project aligns with the Extra Yard for Teachers initiative, a long-standing philanthropic program supported by the College Football Playoff Foundation. These investments highlight how major athletic organizations increasingly leverage their branding to address local educational funding gaps.
The school library upgrade provides immediate improvements to the learning environment for local elementary students. Residents may experience increased community activity leading up to the upcoming university football game.
The takeaway
Philanthropic partnerships between athletic organizations and schools can provide vital resources for classroom infrastructure. Local educators and parents can monitor conference announcements to identify future grant opportunities for their district.
What happens next
The Allstate Empowerment Luncheon is scheduled for October 9, 2026, and the West Virginia University football game versus Arizona will take place at noon on October 10, 2026, at Milan Puskar Stadium.
Further reading
For more on how local schools secure grants and support, visit our Financial Aid section.
More information
View the West Virginia University sports event schedule for more details regarding upcoming university activities.
Live Poll
Do you believe conference-sponsored renovations are an effective way to support your local public schools?
