Big Ten Launches “B1G Build” Initiative

ROSEMONT, Ill. - The Big Ten Conference, in partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation, School Specialty and Eckrich, will work with all 18 of its member institutions to transform common areas at local elementary schools across the Big Ten footprint over the next three years.

Through the B1G Build initiative, the conference and its partners will create engaging, student-centered spaces designed to inspire learning, collaboration and creativity while strengthening the connection between Big Ten institutions and their local communities.

“The B1G Build Program builds upon the meaningful work already taking place across our campuses and throughout the conference,” said Big Ten Senior Vice President for Community & Impact Omar Brown. “We strive to create a lasting impact in the communities that welcome us, showcasing how our institutions can come together to support students and strengthen communities through academics and athletics.”

Each school renovation includes a $50,000 investment to enhance learning spaces and will help foster a lasting relationship between the Big Ten institution and partner schools, while ribbon cutting celebrations will provide students the opportunity to interact with partner institution student-athletes, coaches and staff.

While the school transformations will serve as the centerpiece of the B1G Build initiative, the partnerships are already underway. Student-athletes and campus communities at several institutions have already started engaging with their partner schools through activities such as classroom reading programs and student-athlete-led fundraising efforts. These connections will continue long after the renovations are complete, creating opportunities for continued interaction and mentorship between Big Ten institutions and local elementary school students throughout the years ahead.

The initiative builds upon the Big Ten Conference's longstanding commitment to community engagement and youth development while aligning with the College Football Playoff Foundation and Eckrich's efforts to support education and enrich learning environments across the country. The partnership marks the ninth year of Eckrich and the CFP Foundation coming together to make a difference in classrooms and communities nationwide.

This fall, the Big Ten will focus on six local elementary schools representing universities from across the conference footprint, bringing together hundreds of participants to create vibrant new spaces for students in Indiana, New Jersey, Michigan, Minnesota, Washington and California.

Full 2026 B1G Build Schedule:

• Sept. 10 – Indiana, Fairview Elementary School
• Sept. 17 – Rutgers, Roosevelt Elementary School
• Oct. 9 – Michigan State, Pattengill Biotechnical Magnet School
• Oct. 23 – Minnesota, Barack and Michelle Obama Middle School
• Nov. 6 – Washington, Sand Point Elementary School
• Nov. 13 – UCLA, Alma Fuerte Elementary School