Washington Wizards basketball player and astute businessman Russell Westbrook, along with his wife, Nina, and longtime business partner, Donnell Beverly, have announced that they have partnered with LA Promise Fund to launch the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Middle and High Schools.
“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 L.A. students are ready for college and ultimately success in a 21st-century career,” said Westbrook in a written statement.The two schools, known collectively as Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy have a goal of ensuring students in the South Los Angeles area have greater access to high-quality athletic programs while balancing a strong education and leadership development.
“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,” said Veronica Melvin, president of LA Promise Fund.
The Westbrook Why Not? Academy will operate on a community school model. This
means that many of the resources will be connected to the school, students, and their families to ensure their comprehensive well-being. Students will be receiving the right support 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.”