Commanders and Local Organizations Partner to Train Students

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Dozens of students from across D.C. and Prince George’s County, along with their parents and volunteers, met at FedEx Field for a new program born out of a partnership between the Washington Commanders Charitable Foundation, Hustlers Guild and Beyond

Your Block DMV for “Hustle Up: 360 Athlete Experience.” At their June 28 program, skills training was provided for youth impacted by gun violence across the Washington metropolitan area. Lessons were taught to reinforce the importance of health and wellness and provide students with the tools needed to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.

After some NFL trivia, comedian Rodney “Red” Grant and D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D, Ward 8), prepared the kids for a day of activity and learning.

Grant, who described himself as one of the biggest Commanders fans in the country, said the students were there to have a good time and be educated at once.

“We’re here for you guys to have fun and to learn something today,” he said. “Eyes front. Today is a special day. Who’s ready to meet the players,” Grant said, to which the students, along with some parents, cheered.

Grant then spoke about his program to expand the horizons of city youth and to offer encouragement. His organization, Beyond Your Block DMV, is dedicated to providing significant experiences for city youth and they have previously taken students to local baseball and basketball games along with Virginia’s Luray Caverns and the Jamestown Settlement.

The Department of Education, in a research paper, stated “Field trips offer an opportunity to motivate and connect students to appreciate and understand classroom concepts, which increase a student’s knowledge foundation, promoting further learning and higher level thinking strategies. With understanding comes confidence and intrinsic motivation.”

Further, Grant expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are excited to join forces with the Commanders and other stakeholders to create a powerful catalyst of positive engagement, growth, and self-discovery.”

The Washington Commanders Charitable Foundation also emphasized the importance of the partnership.

“Together, by supporting technical advancements in schools and providing youth resources, access and training, I am excited to see the change that we can facilitate for the greater Washington, D.C. area,” said Valerie Biberaj, vice

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