Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff announced that he has committed to Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD), purchasing Scholastic book packs and JG16 backpacks for 1,000 students ahead of the start of the school year.
The Rams and its players have been very involved in the local community in recent months, especially Inglewood, which is their new home with the completion of SoFi Stadium.
According to the announcement, Goff is providing first through third-grade IUSD students with a “grab and go” Reading Take Home Pack for their personal libraries and instructional practice, which consists of books, reading and writing activities, as well as a family resource guide to help parents support and encourage their child to read. The reading supplies will be packaged in customized JG16 backpacks and distributed to Inglewood Unified students on Sept. 8, just in time for the new school year.
Goff explained why he picked this initiative to donate to, via TheRams.com:
“As we prepare to move into SoFi Stadium, I am committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Inglewood youth,” said Goff. “After spending time and having multiple conversations with the Inglewood Unified leadership team, I’ve found that one of the most effective ways to enhance their lives and put them on a path to future success is by providing them academic support and educational resources. Reading is the foundation for learning, and it’s critical that students in 1st-3rd grade learn to read or too often they are left behind. That was the inspiration behind this initial donation.”
Goff added that his commitment to the local youth in Inglewood will go beyond this first donation:
“This isn’t a one-time thing,” said Goff. “As I’ve shared with Inglewood Unified’s leadership during our discussions, I want to be part of the solution of leveling the playing field for youth in our new home. I’m excited to continue to work with Inglewood Unified to determine the most pressing needs and the most effective ways for me to ensure a greater future for our students.”
Erika Torres, who is the County Administrator for IUSD, expressed thanks to Goff for everything he is doing in the community:
“The Inglewood Unified family is grateful for Jared’s commitment to listening to our district’s focus, for taking the time to collaborate on how to best support student learning, and for his willingness to contribute to a number of initiatives over the coming months,” said IUSD’s County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres. “We look forward to continued dialogue as we meet the greatest needs of our students and families in the Inglewood community.”
Goff has been very vocal about wanting to inspire change in recent months, so it is good to see that those words are being followed by action to help out the local community in a time of need.
