The San Diego Chargers and the Spanos family will once again be awarding grants to local schools in 2016 to support physical fitness, nutrition and athletic programs on campus.
Students and parents can help bring much-needed funds to their schools by urging principals, teachers and coaches to apply for $250,000 in Chargers Champions grants. The Chargers Community Foundation is now accepting applications for the Chargers Champions School Grant Program. Applications can be accessed here and must be postmarked by Friday, April 22, 2016.
Chargers Champions is committed to improving physical fitness in San Diego County schools by providing grants for new facilities and equipment. Selected high schools are eligible to receive grants of up to $75,000; middle schools up to $40,000; and elementary schools up to $30,000.
The Chargers consistently provide more support for schools than any other private company in the County. In 15 years, more than 100 schools have received funding for projects ranging from weight rooms, running tracks, outdoor fitness facilities, fitness equipment, pool equipment, salad bars, nutrition tracking software, aerobics rooms and even a specialized outdoor fitness area for the visually impaired.
"Children who are healthy inside and out are better able to learn and fully participate in school," County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Randy Ward said. "We're thankful the San Diego Chargers recognize this and support our efforts to reach the whole child."
In 2015, seven San Diego County schools received grants to improve physical fitness, athletic or nutrition programs on school campuses.
| Granite Hills High School | $65,000 | Weight Room |
| Sweetwater High School | $63,000 | Weight room and football equipment |
| DePortola Middle School | $40,000 | Rock ball and fitness equipment |
| Laurel Elementary School | $30,000 | Running Track |
| Gage Elementary School | $26,000 | Neuronasium and fitness equipment |
| San Elijo Middle School | $16,000 | Patch Course |
| Porter Elementary School | $10,000 | Fitness Equipment |
"Schools throughout our community need our support," Chargers President A.G. Spanos said. "The main goal of our program is to provide students in San Diego with the necessary means to live a healthy lifestyle through proper fitness and nutrition."
Funds allocated to Chargers Champions are administered through the Chargers Community Foundation, the San Diego Chargers' charitable foundation. The Foundation was established in 1995 by Dean and Alex Spanos to help San Diego build on its strengths by supporting individuals, activities and organizations that work to make the city a better place to live.
