With fans’ support, the Baltimore Ravens’ victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers can reap benefits beyond the gridiron into local classrooms.

Junior Achievement of Central Maryland, Inc. (JACMD) will receive a $2,000 donation from FedEx if Ravens Running Back Ray Rice is selected “FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week” in a fan contest on NFL.com/FedEx.

Fans can vote through 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16. The winners will be announced Friday on NFL Total Access on NFL Network and on NFL.com.

In Sunday’s game, Rice had 19 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown and four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown. He is the only back to have broken the 100-yard mark against the Steelers in Pittsburgh’s last 51 games. His 11-yard touchdown reception with less than two minutes left in the second half gave the Ravens a two-score advantage going into halftime.

He is competing against running backs LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles) and Ben Tate (Houston Texans) for the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week honors. Tom Brady (New England Patriots), Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buffalo Bills) and Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) are vying for the “FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week” honors.

As the Official Delivery Service Sponsor of the NFL, Super Bowl and Pro Bowl, FedEx created the Air & Ground program to highlight superior on-field performance among the league’s top-performing quarterbacks and running backs, while providing business solutions that matter off-the-field.

Demonstrating its commitment to small business owners, FedEx will support education efforts at Junior Achievement, by making weekly $2,000 donations in each of the winning players’ names. The funding, allocated to local Junior Achievement area offices in that team’s city or state, is used to help U.S. small business development, by educating the next generation of entrepreneurs on how to start and grow their own businesses.

“This generous $2,000 donation would directly support nearly 100 Maryland students in our life skill programs that help students plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices,” said Jennifer Bodensiek, president, Junior Achievement of Central Maryland. “We thank FedEx for supporting Junior Achievement and urge Baltimoreans to demonstrate their purple pride and vote for Ray.”

Junior Achievement of Central Maryland is dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, Junior Achievement provides in-school and after-school programs for K-12 students which focus on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Founded in 1957, the non-profit organization now serves more than 20,000 students throughout Central Maryland. For more information, visit www.jamaryland.org.