04 Feb Russell Westbrook Adopts LA Promise Charter Schools to launch Westbrook Academy
Russell Westbrook along with his wife, Nina, and longtime business partner, Donnell Beverly has partnered with LA Promise Fund to launch the Westbrook Academy, known collectively as Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy with the goal of ensuring students in South Los Angeles has access to high-quality athletic programs while balancing a strong education and leadership development. Westbrook and Beverly will also sit on the board to help oversee developments at the schools.
Recently approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Education, the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy will deliver world-class education to South Los Angeles youth grades 6 through 12 to develop academic achievers, athletes, and active citizens committed to social change. Westbrook aims to ensure that students from South Los Angeles have access to a college and career education that is community-based, fights institutionalized racism, and uplifts and empowers individuals and the communities they live in.
“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. My goal in partnering with the LA Promise Fund is to ensure our South LA students are ready for college and ultimately success in a 21st-century career,” said Westbrook.
“We all know Russell Westbrook’s accomplishments on the court. His pledge to the LA Promise Fund Schools and the South LA community demonstrates his deep commitment off the court to uplift the community and positively change lives,” said Veronica Melvin, President of LA Promise Fund.
To celebrate the partnership, Russell Westbrook participated in a virtual announcement to the students as one of the many Black History Month activities scheduled throughout the month at the schools. Following the announcement, the students received a goodie bag filled with gifts donated by Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation, After-School All-Stars, and LA Promise Fund Board members.
The Westbrook Why Not? Academy operates on a community school model meaning that many resources are connected to the school, students, and their families to ensure their comprehensive well-being. Wrapped around a strong education, students will receive supports in the areas of career exposure like internships and dual enrollment community college classes; wellness programs to promote mental health, nutrition, and physical health, college advising through field trips, test prep and application assistance, and robust enrichment programs in athletics, Science, Technology, Math and Engineering, and leadership cultivation.
“LA Promise Charter Schools provide students and families with high-quality alternatives to their neighborhood schools, through a strong educational model, wrap-around services, and signature programs,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas. “With the addition of Russell Westbrook and the evolution of Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy, this will continue to empower students, strengthen families and build communities.”
The partnership is a joint venture between the LA Promise Fund, Russell and Nina Westbrook and their business and entrepreneurial arms, Russell Westbrook Enterprises and the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation.
