The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and University of Phoenix will kick off the third annual “D-backs Give Back to Education Week” today in support of local education with a week of community programs to enhance education and raise awareness of the D-backs’ initiatives. This year’s event has expanded one more day and will impact nearly 1,000 students and 150 teachers. The Foundation, since its inception in 1997, has supported education with donations totaling $12 million among the Foundation’s $75-plus million in charitable contributions to the Arizona community.

D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall

“Our D-backs Give Back to Education Week is extremely important and rewarding to our organization. The program is in its third year, as we once again partner with Dr. John Woods and his colleagues and volunteers from University of Phoenix. Our two organizations enjoy providing some of the brightest minds and future leaders with unique educational opportunities, while recognizing those teachers who stand out as best-in-class. We take great pride in the positive impact we have in countless areas of the Arizona community, but education remains a top priority.”

University of Phoenix Provost Dr. John Woods

“The University of Phoenix is proud of our long-standing partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation. For several years now we have worked together on education initiatives and Education Week is one of my favorites. Volunteers from both of our organizations are given the opportunity to show teachers how much they are appreciated. It is great to partner with an organization that values education like we do and it’s demonstrated by the more than $1 million in grants for teachers we have awarded together.”

Day 1 | August 5 | Teacher Appreciation Night and Teach for America Supply Donation in partnership with University of Phoenix

The D-backs and University of Phoenix will support Teach for America by packing and donating 100 teacher supply kits, containing needed classroom supplies like paper, pens, markers, hand sanitizer, tissues and more. Teach for America also received 200 tickets to be celebrated at the game. University of Phoenix Jonathan Lewis will honor several teachers during a special pregame recognition on the field.

Day 2 | August 6 | D-backs School Challenge presented by University of Phoenix

Since the inception of the D-backs School Challenge in 2012, more than $1.36 million has been awarded in 283 grants by the D-backs and University of Phoenix in helping meet the growing need for charitable investment in Arizona’s schools and classrooms. Teachers and administrators are invited to “make their best pitch” for up to $5,000 to fund education programs, innovation and technology, nutrition and fitness, and school and campus improvements. Applications may be submitted from Aug. 5-Sept. 30 at dbacks.com/schoolchallenge.

Day 3 | August 7 | Educational Initiatives at Chase Field

STEM Sunday inspired by Honeywell

The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary will offer kids an immersive and educational reptile experience in The Sandlot, located on the upper concourse in the left-field corner.

Resolution Copper STEM Dugout

Kids will experience fun and educational STEM activities from Olsson Engineering, such as a lesson on how to make slime, when visiting the Resolution Copper STEM Dugout, located on the upper concourse near Section 327.

Be Kind Sunday Sandlot Show presented by Arizona Complete Health

Kids will hear educational messages of anti-bullying and friendship using a positive approach to behavior and character from the Be Kind Crew at the Be Kind Sunday Sandlot Show, presented by Arizona Complete Health, located on the upper concourse in the left field corner.

D-backs Game Changers Positive Coach and Student Athlete Recognition Program supported by The Husband & Wife Law Team

A coach and a student athlete who exemplify positivity, winning, leadership, sportsmanship, fair play, healthy living, respect and integrity will be recognized monthly by the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation in partnership with The Husband & Wife Law Team and the Positive Coaching Alliance. Matt Garcia, a dedicated baseball coach at Desert View High School Baseball Coach, and Victor Ramirez, a stellar baseball player at Bisbee High School, will be recognized in a special pregame recognition.

Outstanding Student Parade

The D-backs will celebrate students who had outstanding performances during the school year for a special pregame parade around the outfield warning track.

Day 4 | August 8 | Most Valuable Teachers in STEM inspired by Honeywell

Celebrating outstanding STEM educators is the perfect opportunity to recognize the best-of-the-best and acknowledge their commitment to providing students with the foundation to STEM careers with 10 teachers each month receiving a $1,000 grant to fund their classroom. The Arizona Diamondbacks and Honeywell are proud to support Arizona STEM educators through the Most Valuable Teachers, inspired by Honeywell, program. The D-backs will surprise Mr. Ken Whitley, a STEM teacher at Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix, with a special classroom visit on the first day of school.

Day 5 | August 9 | ASU Prep Academy visit in partnership with University of Phoenix

The D-backs and University of Phoenix are proud to support the grand opening of the ASU Prep Academy at Pilgrim Rest Church, located just down the street from Chase Field, by providing each teacher with $300 for classroom supplies, delivering 16 Chromebooks and more supplies, and volunteers will visit classrooms to read to students.

Day 6 | August 10 | Assistance League of Phoenix to visit Hirsch Elementary

The “D-backs Delivering Dreams Bus” will visit Hirsch Elementary School to provide students with uniforms and shoes.

Day 7 | August 11 | Arizona Robotics League sponsored by the Arizona Diamondbacks and Honeywell

The inaugural Arizona Robotics League competition, funded with a $35,000 grant from the D-backs and Honeywell, took place on July 30 at Cactus High School in Glendale. The event will be celebrated with a special pregame recognition video highlighting the D-backs and Honeywell’s efforts to support STEM learning and robotics in Arizona.

Day 8 | August 12 | Valencia Newcomer School Visit

Valencia Newcomer School will receive 15 iPads as the D-backs support the advancement of technology in education and each student from kindergarten through eighth grade will receive brand new school supplies, including notebooks, folders, scissors, glue sticks, crayons, pencils, erasers, binders and more.