General | September 16, 2017

CLEVELAND – The Mid-American Conference is providing funding for its entire 12-member institutions to establish a community-based program to continue to build positive relationships within each campus community, with Western Michigan University partnering with Kalamazoo Public Schools.

During the 2017-18 academic year, the MAC is providing $60,000 - $5,000 for each athletic program – for academic initiatives at elementary and/or secondary schools This is the first year of the MAC's community program and will become an annual event.

KPS will utilize the $5,000 to purchase diverse classroom reading sets for six classrooms at two elementary schools. This support is consistent with the Broncos' already establish support of the Reading Now Network and the Mirrors of Me Conference regarding diverse literature.

"I am extremely pleased to see the diversity of community programs our athletic programs have partnered for this upcoming season," said MAC Commissioner, Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher.  "Our students, coaches and athletic administrators support their campus communities with events throughout the year and this opportunity only enhances our support within each community."

The funding for the grant is provided through the MAC's partnership with the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation.

The Mid-American Conference contributed to this release.