NBA players have long been involved in uplifting communities across the country and world, especially as it comes to education. Now Washington Wizards star Russell Westbrook will be joining that list of player educators.
Westbrook is partnering with L.A. Promise Fund to launch the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy. The school, which will be based in South L.A., will be for middle school and high school students.
Per the school website:
The Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy delivers world-class education to South Los Angeles youth grades 6 through 12 while simultaneously developing academic achievers, athletes and activists committed to social change. The Academy is a community hub that offers students a safe and personalized learning environment and engages parents as partners in their children’s education. Why Not? Academy, which consists of a High School and Middle School, are public charter schools authorized by the Los Angeles County Office of Education and are members of California Charter School Association.
“Creating and supporting educational opportunities for underserved youth has always been a passion of mine,” said Westbrook in a statement. “It’s so important that every child has access to a good education regardless of their socioeconomic background.”
Westbrook is giving back to where it all started. He was a star at Leuzinger High School in Lawndale before going on to UCLA for three years. The OKC Thunder drafted him in 2008 and he was named to eight All-Star teams in his eleven years there. Westbrook played for the Rockets in 2019, made the All-Star team again that season and then was traded to the Wizards this season. The nine-time All-Star is currently averaging 19.9 ppg, 9.7 apg, and 9.7 rpg in Washington.
While the team isn’t winning the way they’d like, Westbrook is setting kids in South L.A. up for future success.
“I not only want to inspire and empower these students, but I want to help provide the essential and necessary resources to set them up for success beyond the classroom,” said Westbrook.
