The Anaheim Ducks were named one of four finalists for ESPN's Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year on Tuesday. The award is given to a sports team that demonstrates how teamwork can create a measurable impact on a community or cause.

The Ducks' comprehensive education programs, which began in 2006, engage everyone from the owners to players, staff and the community, and have positively influenced students across Southern California. Their S.C.O.R.E. program offers free educational standards-based curriculum to more than 300 schools, reaching more than 50,000 students annually.

The Boston Red Sox (Major League Baseball), Chicago Fire (Major League Soccer) and the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team are the other finalists for the award, which will be presented July 17 in Los Angeles.

"What a tremendous honor it is to be named a finalist for such a meaningful award," Ducks chief marketing officer Aaron Teats said. "Congratulations also to the Red Sox, Fire and U.S. Women's National Hockey team for their efforts in the community."

S.C.O.R.E. uses hockey to teach educational themes, reinforce the importance of positive character building, and reward students for their dedication to pursuing academic excellence. Within the past year, the Ducks distributed 18,000 sets of school supplies, brought more than 16,000 students on a field trip to develop STEAM skills through a Science of Hockey program, helped more than 20,000 students prepare for their state fitness assessments though the Captain's Challenge, and engaged 10,000 students in a literacy program that resulted in 97 percent of participating teachers reporting an increase in students' motivation to read.

"Our goal is to create programs that positively impact families across Southern California, both academically and physically," Teats said. "Being community-minded is part of our culture, following the lead of our owners, Henry and Susan Samueli."

In addition to making an impact in the community, the Ducks qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

Multiple sports leagues and/or governing bodies -- including MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, PGA Tour, U.S. Tennis Association, WNBA and World Wrestling Entertainment, and the Women's Sports Foundation -- nominated athletes, teams and corporations who are transforming lives and uplifting communities. The finalists and winners were determined by an independent selection committee.