Russell Westbrook Launches Tech Education Program

August 23, 2019

NBA star Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets has launched a new educational program to help train at-risk youths for future careers in coding, computer literacy and computer engineering.

The new Westbrook/Brownstein Green Tech Program will help students build a strong educational foundation to be successful in the future. 

"I feel like this particular program actually impacts the kids' futures, impacts their mind, the mentality of where they grew up and where they're from," Westbrook said. "I definitely can relate to that because I feel like I was one of those kids growing up in the city of Los Angeles and finding my way, figuring out what was the best path for me."

Westbrook also explained his motivation to start this project came by recognizing the sustained educational opportunities that weren't available to him growing up. 

"I didn't look for anybody to help or hand out, but I definitely thought it was important that people that had the 'power,' the ability to be able to help, did that. It was motivation for me to be able to get to a level, to a point, where I can give back to some of the same kids that are in the same situation that I was in."

The roots of Westbrook's partnership in this program can be traced back to 2012 when the eight-time All-Star founded his own charitable organization, Why Not?, with the mission to inspire children's lives, empower them to ask Why Not? and teach them to never give up.

The Foundation is dedicated to supporting community based education and family service programs while encouraging youth to believe in themselves.