Charlotte, N.C. – September 18, 2026 -- The Carolina Panthers and Bank of America launched 3rd & Goal, a new community platform expected to reach 10,000 students across North and South Carolina in its first year.
Panthers and Bank of America unveil unified childhood development platform
The flagship initiative consolidates the organizations' prior separate community efforts into a single program built on three pillars: literacy (Read 20), physical wellness (Play 60) and personal well-being (Feel 100). Kristi Coleman, CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment and Carolina Panthers President, said the platform aims to become the organization's signature community initiative and a national model for sports-driven social impact.
More than 400 Title I students attend launch event at Bank of America Stadium
The program was introduced at a field day bringing together Panthers players and staff, Bank of America executives, local elected officials, and over 400 third-grade students and administrators from Title I schools across the Carolinas. Each participating school will select 15 third-grade students annually to attend the Bank of America Stadium field day, with five students recognized for achievements in each of the three pillars.
Program targets third grade as a critical academic turning point
Research cited by organizers shows children not reading proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. A Read Charlotte-commissioned study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found students with below-average reading ability in third and fourth grade face lower household income, reduced college attendance, higher unemployment and increased mental health challenges later in life.
Physical activity gap in the Carolinas drives Play 60 focus
North Carolina and South Carolina rank 33rd and 23rd, respectively, among U.S. states for youth physical activity levels, according to the announcement. Play 60, an NFL-wide initiative, will deliver school-based programming including flag football equipment support, educator resources and student engagement experiences to promote 60 minutes of daily activity.
Blue Cross NC backs new mental health pillar for young students
Feel 100, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina, adds a prevention-first mental health component through classroom-based literacy, discussion and experiential learning to help students build emotional regulation and social skills.
UNC Charlotte research center to evaluate program over three years
The UNC Charlotte Center for Educational Measurement and Evaluation will track program implementation and student engagement throughout the school year, with organizers setting benchmarks to measure outcomes over a three-year span.