Russell Westbrook has committed to opening Middle and High Schools in Los Angeles.
The Washington Wizards point guard informed PEOPLE that this partnership with the L.A. Promise Fund addresses the ongoing problem of “how often schools in underserved communities lack the resources and funding needed to support their students.”
Westbrook, 32, has partnered with L.A. Promise Fund to launch the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy. This academy will consist of a middle school and a high school in Los Angeles.
This school aims to increase and improve access to educational and outdoor opportunities for children and the community in South Los Angeles.
Westbrook told people that he’s excited. “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.”
The Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy plans to deliver world-class education to South L.A. for 6th-12th grade students.
Westbrook, who is working with his wife Nina, will sit on the school board alongside his business partner Donnell Beverly “to help oversee developments at the schools.”
A few weeks ago, Westbrook hopped on a Zoom call with kids from the area and their parents while his wife, Nina, and his parents donated Russ’s signature shoes to students.
Veronica Melvin, president of the L.A. Promise Fund, is proud to work with Westbrook to open the schools.
