Newark Public Schools Named NFL Character Champion District

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools has been named an official Character Champion District by the NFL Foundation and Character Playbook, recognizing the District’s commitment to helping students develop the character, leadership, and life skills that contribute to success in school and beyond.

The recognition places Newark Public Schools among an elite group of more than 100 Character Champion Districts nationwide recognized and supported by the NFL Foundation.

“Academic achievement is essential, but our responsibility to students extends beyond what they learn in the classroom,” said Superintendent León. “We are preparing young people to lead, to make good decisions, to treat others with respect and to contribute positively to their communities. Being named an NFL Character Champion District affirms the work taking place throughout Newark Public Schools to develop successful students and responsible citizens.”

Through Character Playbook, students participate in lessons addressing respect, empathy, resilience, healthy relationships, digital responsibility and decision-making. The program is designed to give students practical skills that help them navigate challenges, build stronger relationships, and contribute to positive school cultures.

NFL Foundation Executive Director Alexia Gallagher praised the District’s commitment to implementing Character Playbook and supporting the whole child. The NFL Foundation noted that Newark Public Schools’ participation reflects a commitment to prioritizing character education alongside academic achievement.

Newark Public Schools has a longstanding connection to Character Playbook. Newark students participated in the program during its inaugural year, 2016-17, in New Jersey, when the initiative reached more than 2,000 middle-school students across the state. Through interactive, scenario-based lessons, Character Playbook helps students develop skills related to healthy relationships, respect, empathy, conflict resolution, decision-making and digital responsibility.

“Our students deserve schools where they feel supported and valued while developing the confidence, judgment, and leadership skills they will need throughout their lives,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “We are proud that the NFL Foundation has recognized the District’s commitment to that important work.”

The Character Champion District designation also recognizes the collective efforts of teachers, administrators, counselors and staff members who work each day to create opportunities for students to grow academically and personally.

The NFL Foundation described character development as an important component of building stronger students and stronger communities, emphasizing that the lessons students learn about relationships, responsibility, resilience and decision-making can have an impact both inside and outside the classroom.

“Character matters,” Superintendent León added. “When our students learn to persevere, demonstrate empathy, make responsible decisions, and lead with integrity, they are developing skills that will serve them long after they graduate. We are grateful to the NFL Foundation and Character Playbook for recognizing and supporting that work.”