NBA Superstar Russell Westbrook And Wife, Nina Earl, Are Opening An Academy In South L.A. For Underserved Youth

This is amazing!

NBA superstar Russell Westbrook is set to open an academy in Los Angeles for middle and high school students, The Grio reports.

The “Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy” is a collaborative effort between Westbrook and the L.A. Promise Fund, “a unique hybrid [organization], operating programs in partnership with [the] Los Angeles Unified School District at two traditional, comprehensive high schools and a middle school…[and running] high profile, far-reaching programs and engagement opportunities available to students and teachers across Los Angeles County.”

Westbrook is working on his academy alongside his wife Nina Earl and business partner Donell Beverly. The L.A. native will sit on the school’s board along with Beverly and “oversee developments at the schools. 

The new academy will service South Los Angeles youth in grades 6 through 12 with the goal of building up students who are high academic achievers, athletes and engaged members of society with a penchant for social change. Westbrook has taken on many philanthropic efforts over the course of his 13 season career. This time, he hopes to follow the path laid out by NBA stars like Jalen Rose and LeBron James, creating a lasting legacy by investing in education for the next generation. 

“I’ve realized through the work with my Why Not? Foundation how often schools in underserved communities lack the resources and funding needed to support their students. 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,” Westbrook said. 

Veronica Melvin, president of the L.A. Promise Fund spoke about the partnership, saying, “We all know Russell Westbrook’s accomplishments on the court. His pledge to the LA Promise Fund Schools and the South L.A. community demonstrates his deep commitment off the court to uplift the community and positively change lives.”

The father of 3 spoke about his inspiration emphasizing that making an impact in education has always been at the top of his list. “Creating and supporting educational opportunities for underserved youth has always been a passion of mine. It’s so important that every child has access to a good education regardless of their socioeconomic background,” said Westbrook.

Thanks for all you’re doing Russell! and Nina Because of you, we can!

Photo Courtesy of People Magazine