Increase Student Awareness of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Fields as a Future Education and Career Option
Basketball has been shown to be an effective subject to expose children to math and science. In this same spirit, this program gives students the ability to learn and apply basic academic concepts through hands-on application on the basketball field. We strive to not only expose students to STEM fields, but to help them understand, visualize, and integrate the connection between basketball, science, and mathematics through a variety of learning styles (i.e., visual, kinesthetic, auditory). These hands-on experiences encourage continued involvement and enrollment in math and science classes that will promote academic and career pursuits in related fields.
Motivate Students to Excel Despite Obstacles
In addition to the academic objectives of the program, a parallel objective is to motivate students to excel despite social, economic, and cultural obstacles (either real or imaginary) that may prevent them from advancing their education. Memphis Grizzlies Science of Basketball could include motivational “pep talks” by players who provide their compelling stories to describe their experiences in overcoming adversity that provides real-world encouragement for students pursuing their dreams.
Provide a Measurable Opportunity for Individual Transformation
We strive to provide a life-changing transformative experience for students in elementary school. Many of the targeted students could be the first in their family to pursue a college education. As such, participation in the program provides an ideal opportunity to encourage an educational path that might be unimaginable or perceived as impossible. A specific objective is to measure the impact of the program of students’ academic performance and life choices. This goal is accomplished by assessing each student’s math and science comprehension levels at the beginning of the program, at the end of the program, and six months after the program. We also interview the students, their teachers, and their families to determine other intangible impacts resulting from their participation in the program.
