Aug. 5, 2010

Pizza Hut, home of America’s favorite pizza, has also been the Official Pizza of UT Athletics since 2005, and through that relationship, Pizza Hut is now able to reach out to the Austin community and help young students build strong academic futures.

Pizza Hut has recently partnered with the University of Texas Neighborhood Longhorns Program (NLP), an educational incentive and outreach program started in 1991 by UT Athletics. During the 2010 Texas Football season -- home and away -- Pizza Hut will donate $100 to the NLP every time the Longhorns score a touchdown.

And, from now through Sept. 25, Pizza Hut is offering a local promotion in 34 area locations. Every time someone places an order for their new Stuffed Jalapeño Pizza Rollers, $1 will be donated back to the NLP.

“This is an exciting time to have Pizza Hut join the effort of ‘Linking Community with Education’ by providing educational opportunities for the children in our community,” said Celina Ruiz-Snowden, NLP Executive Director. “Thank you Pizza Hut for helping the community give the gift of education by supporting our program. Hook 'Em on Education.”

To hear a special message from Craig Way, the Voice of the Longhorns, and to participate by ordering online, please visit pizzahut-ut.com.

Although originally born into the UT Athletics family, NLP is currently housed in UT's Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, and more than 85 percent of the program’s funding comes through fundraising initiatives. The NLP provides services to more than 5,000 students in second through eighth grades at 30 schools throughout the Austin community.

With a partnership between the Austin Independent School District and UT Athletics, NLP is able to offer children real incentives to excel academically. Through various reading and leadership programs, students are rewarded with opportunities to attend UT sporting events, and even meet with coaches and student-athletes.