Westridge Elementary students in Provo celebrated an improved library project on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, through a partnership between BYU and the College Football Playoff Foundation. The initiative provided the school with an estimated $40,000 makeover featuring new furniture and updated reading spaces.
The project was part of a community service event after BYU was invited by the Big 12 Conference and the CFP Foundation to participate. According to Provo City School District spokesman Caleb Price, BYU asked the district if they needed assistance, leading officials to identify the school library for the project.
During the celebration, BYU football players Bear Bachmeier, Raider Damuni, and Cade Uluave joined BYU Athletic Director Brian Damuni and the mascot Cosmo to meet with students. Price stated that the players spent 20 minutes after the program talking to the children about reading and football.
The event also included a surprise for Westridge educator Shanna Bonnett, who received $1,000 in classroom resources through the CFP Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers initiative via DonorsChoose.
District spokesman Caleb Price noted that the library improvements are intended to create a more inviting and comfortable environment for students to develop a love of reading. Price added that the district values the relationship with the university, noting that the campuses are neighbors in the same city.
This marks the second time in two years that the district has received benefits from a BYU football-related gesture. In November, following a BYU victory over Utah, Crumbl owner Jason McGowan redirected funds originally intended for a field rush fee to pay off more than $30,000 in school lunch debt after the fee was waived. Price said that BYU football's recent exposure has inadvertently led to additional community support for the district.
