NBA Star Russell Westbrook Provides 650 Laptops to Houston Students

Houston Rockets All-Star Russell Westbrook is helping young students learn now that schools are temporarily suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. The flashy basketball player is donating 650 laptop computers to students in the Houston area, according to Rockets Wire.

This initiative is being funded through a collaboration with Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation and Comp-U-Dopt.

“I’m extremely excited to be able to collaborate with Comp-U-Dopt and find ways to be able to impact the youth immediately. It’s something that I’m very, very passionate about through my foundation, and I’m just trying to find a way—especially now—to be able to bridge the gap, and give kids access to another way of learning, through computers,” Westbrook said. “This allows them to be able to continue their education, especially from home. I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said, “Russell Westbrook proves why he is a champion on and off the court. This donation will be a game-changer for many students and their families coping with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The generous contribution will help young people stay focused on their education at home and until they can return to their classroom.”

Now more than ever, we need our internet providers to help our students close the digital divide in our city. @russwest44 through his Why Not? Foundation and Comp U Dot will donate 650 laptops for students in our city to assist them with their digital education. #COVID19

— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) April 13, 2020

“The generous gift will allow us to significantly increase our inventory and ensure we can to continue to close the gap for Houston families most in need,” said Colin Dempsey, executive director at Comp-U-Dopt. The organization describes itself as a nonprofit providing technology access and education to underserved youth in the Houston and Galveston areas.

“One in three economically disadvantaged students in the Houston area lack access to a computer at home,” Dempsey added. “With the outbreak of COVID-19 and the closure of schools, there is an immediate need to get more computers to students and families without access at home.”