Due tomorrow: D-backs $150,000 School Challenge submissions

The Arizona Diamondbacks are still accepting applications for the $150,000 School Challenge, presented by University of Phoenix, to benefit schools across the state of Arizona. The deadline to apply is tomorrow, Sept. 30 by submitting an application online at www.dbacks.com/schoolchallenge.

The program is open to all Arizona public, private, and nonprofit charter schools, Grades K-12, and teachers and administrators are encouraged to "make their best pitch" for a $5,000 grant to improve education outcomes, support innovation and technology, provide funding for nutrition and fitness programs, or fund campus improvements.

The D-backs kicked off the program in the spring of 2012 with the $100,000 School Challenge and received an overwhelming response that inspired the team to also host a $150,000 Back-To-School Challenge later that same year. With more than 2,100 applications over the past two seasons, the D-backs have been able to grant $5,000 to 81 schools for a grand total of $400,000 since the program began. The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and the University of Phoenix provide a combined $150,000 for the program. The $5,000 grants have helped schools from across the state with needs such as educational supplies, books, updated computer programs, mobile computer labs and school improvements.