It’s been nearly a year since Kevin Durant stepped foot in his old Prince George’s County neighborhood of Suitland, and according to The Washington Post, the two-time NBA champion didn’t return empty-handed. The Golden State Warrior opened a new facility in his hometown that seeks to help low-income students reach and eventually graduate from college.
After attending summits and building connections with representatives at College Track (an organization that helps young students matriculate through their academic career up to college), Durant was inspired to fund a similar program for the kids of his neighborhood. The bond effortlessly grew into a partnership that has now established College Track‘s first physical location on the East Coast, the Post reveals. Durant, 30, learned of its existence after visiting one of the program’s facilities in Oakland, California.
The full circle stuff you dream about.
The initiative, which boasts a 10-year rubric, will assist students through tutoring, team activities, and equip them with skills that are needed in everyday life. So far, 69 students have been accepted into the educational outlet.
“The full circle stuff you dream about,” Durant said. “So many people that meant so much to me at that time, and to see my name on the building…Hopefully, that inspires kids in the area.” The former University of Texas student allocated $10 million to support the strategy’s success. Two more facilities are rumored to open up in Washington D.C. in the coming years also.
The news arrives months after Durant’s opponent on the court, LeBron James opened a school for at-risk youth in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. I Promise School’s curriculum also aims to place students on the right and affordable track to college.
“This skinny kid from Akron who missed 83 days of school in the 4th grade had big dreams for the kids in Akron to give them everything they could need to find their passion, give back to our community and change the world!!” James said. “This school is that. The people are that. Akron is that.”