Fourth annual excursion rewards, teaches teens about government

Darren Urban

Alex Velasquez Hernandez never expected to fly to Washington D.C. to get a chance to learn more about his country's history and government.

But his favorite history teacher at Trevor Browne High School in Phoenix encouraged him to submit an essay about why civics and government matter, to potentially get such an opportunity. And there he was Wednesday morning, one of the 275 high school students whose essays earned them a spot on the Cardinals' team plane for the annual Civics Matters field trip.

"I never really expected to be here," Hernandez said. "I've never really applied myself to school, but I notice that by doing that I can go many places. This is one of them."

It's the fourth such trip, spurred by the Cardinals in tandem with presenting partner Desert Financial, the Close Up Foundation, and Governor Katie Hobbs. The four-day excursion will be highlighted with tours of both the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court, as well as multiple chances to interact with congressmen and women as well as the people and places that shape the country's government.

"It's more important than ever before," Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said. "(President) Ronald Reagan said 40 years ago that we're only one generation away from losing our freedom. It's important, and it's part of our job as adults to make sure we educate these kids about our form of government so they are more informed citizens.

"Maybe a couple of these kids decide to run for office and lead us in the right direction. But it's up to us to teach them."

The Civics Matters Arizona program targets schools in Title I communities. (Title I's purpose is for lower-income areas, to provide all children the chance for "fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps.")

Civics Matters Arizona reaches across the state. Cardinals chief people officer Shawn Mayo said by next year, the Civics Matters program which is a year-round effort will have touched 10,000 students.

"It's a great opportunity for us as an organization to do good," Mayo said.

Desert Financial also helps to spur financial education, giving each participant who opens a checking account a $125 start in addition to $25 in a savings account.

"It'll be an amazing trip," Bidwill said, adding the Cardinals want to be specific in aiding the community youth sports like flag football, helping those with special needs, and civics and character education.

"Those are the pillars of our community impact," Bidwill said. "This is a key part of it."