Playworks, Phoenix

Recess. It's a longed-for moment in the day of any student, but in an era where "play" often means screens and controllers, the playground can be an unforgiving place. That's where Playworks comes in. Serving 54,000 Arizona students, the non-profit helps communities by reinventing the concept and execution of recess at neighborhood schools. Their method begins with sending fully trained coaches primarily to low-income, Title-1 schools all over the Valley. Once there, the coaches turn recess times into more positive experiences by leading organized, supervised games and activities that allow all students to participate. By getting children to interact, contribute, and play in a safe, welcoming setting, Playworks bolsters students' social and emotional growth during an oft-ignored period of the school day.