The Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Communities In Schools of Arizona have partnered together on many programs that benefit schoolchildren all around the valley and state.

The partnership began formally in 2000. In that year, plans to open the Suns-Diamondbacks Education Academy came together and the Cover to Cover and Kids Going Gonzo for School programs began.

The Arizona Diamondbacks supported the formation of the Suns-Diamondbacks Education Academy, a small school learning environment located in the Phoenix Union High School District. The academy opened it's doors for the 2001-2002 school year to provide a place for students that have already dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of high school a chance to receive their high school diploma. Providing funding, support, and of course, incentives like tons and tons of tickets, are just a few ways the Diamondbacks continue to be involved.

The Cover to Cover program began as the Tony Womack Cover to Cover program. Today, Arizona Diamondbacks third-baseman, Chad Tracy is sponsoring this program. Cover to Cover is a reading incentive program that provides school children the opportunity to win the chance to go to a Diamondbacks home game, receive a t-shirt & dinner as well as an on-field presentation in front of the crowd! This year, 14 schools will participate; seven schools in Maricopa County and seven in Pima & Pinal Counties.

For seven years, Arizona Diamondbacks out-fielder Luis Gonzalez' Kids Going Gonzo for School program has been teaching schoolchildren why we should respect others, how to set goals and say no to drugs. Hundreds of teachers have been trained on how to teach Gonzo's 20 Ground Rules.

Students that complete curriculum requirements are eligible to attend Gonzo Game Day at a Diamondbacks home game as a reward. Since 2000, more than 20,000 youth have gone through the Kids Going Gonzo for School program.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are a perfect example of why business-education partnerships are so important. The Arizona Diamondbacks and their player programs add another level of support and incentive that together with Communities In Schools of Arizona provides thousands of children with needed services. Thank you Diamondbacks!