Westbrook's foundation launches middle and high schools in LA originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Russell Westbrook's foundation partnered with LA Promise Fund to launch a middle school and high school in Los Angeles, collectively to be known as the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy.
Westbrook's "Why Not? Foundation" announced the partnership with the LA Promise Fund by holding a combined community food drive, which the LA Promise Fund hosts each Friday, while Westbrook's parents and wife, Nina, also helped give out shoes to all the teachers and students.
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Aiming to provide world-class education and high-quality athletic programs for South Los Angeles kids in grades 6-12, Westbrook will sit on the school board alongside his wife and longtime business partner Donnell Beverly.
"I plan on making sure that you guys, and the future kids, come in and have access to all the resources you need to be successful," Westbrook said in a virtual meet and greet with the students.
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"You know I'm actually super excited to get to know all you guys personally because that's one thing that's very important to me because I was just like you guys. I grew up in the city, I understand the struggles and understand sometimes you may not feel like school is important. But I'm here to tell you guys school is important, especially now more than ever."
LA Promise Fund CEO Veronica Melvin said the partnered programs are working on a curriculum to "cultivate tomorrow's scholars, athletes, and activists that are committed to social change."
Westbrook's service to the community has been well-documented, and his latest move to launch a middle and high school in his name goes to show how much he cares for his home city.
