Steph Curry And Wife Ayesha Launch $50 Million+ Initiative To Transform Oakland Schools

NBA superstar Stephen Curry and his wife, Ayesha Curry, have launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing education in their cherished adopted hometown of Oakland. Operating through their charitable foundation, Eat. Learn. Play., the couple has set an ambitious goal of raising and investing over $50 million by 2026 to uplift Oakland's students. Their primary focus is on enhancing the Oakland public school system and providing vital resources to students, including nutritious meals, literacy support, improved school facilities, and opportunities for youth sports.

Importantly, the foundation will cover all administrative and fundraising costs, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to benefit the Oakland community. The initiative is expected to have a substantial impact on the approximately 35,000 students within the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Eat. Learn. Play. will collaborate with community partners to achieve tangible outcomes for Oakland students and advocate for systemic changes that empower the youth in the area.

The Currys expressed their commitment to the cause, stating, "When we launched Eat. Learn. Play. in 2019, we recognized the tremendous need in our adopted hometown of Oakland and set out to use our platform and resources to unlock the full potential of the kids in our community. Over the years, we've been inspired by the impact that occurs when a community unites to drive change, and we are now even more dedicated to meeting Oakland kids where they are every day, transforming their school experience, and creating lasting change for generations to come."

They draw inspiration from the profound impact that can be achieved when a community collaborates to drive change and are resolute in their mission to transform the educational experience for future generations. Notably, the foundation has already achieved significant results within its three core pillars.

To date, they have raised over $47 million, supplied more than 25 million meals, invested $6 million in literacy resources, and revitalized 12 school and community play areas. Chris Helfrich, CEO of Eat. Learn. Play., emphasized the significance of community partnerships in enhancing the lives of children and families, saying, "We often say 'it takes a village' when it comes to improving the lives of children and families. This expanded approach and partnership with OUSD reflect how our community partners are coming together to ensure all Oakland students have access to quality school meals throughout the year."

This expanded approach and collaboration with OUSD aim to guarantee that all Oakland students have access to high-quality school meals year-round. The foundation will make substantial investments over the next three years to support OUSD's Central Kitchen, Education Center, and Instructional Garden & Farm, ensuring the provision of over 6 million healthy, scratch-cooked meals annually.

Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell commended the partnership between Eat. Learn. Play. and OUSD, emphasizing its positive impact on renovating outdoor play spaces in schools. The foundation's commitment to enhancing school cafeterias and providing culturally relevant books to students underscores its dedication to creating engaging and dignified spaces for students to learn and socialize.

In addition to their collaboration with OUSD, the Currys will work closely with organizations such as the Alameda County Community Food Bank, Brigade, Community Kitchens, No Kid Hungry, Trust for Public Land, TomKat Foundation, and UC Berkeley. The foundation will also offer intensive tutoring for students below grade level and distribute culturally relevant books to Oakland's youth.

Their ambitious plans include the transformation of 25 schoolyards throughout Oakland and the revitalization of school sports programs to ensure all students have access to high-quality youth sports experiences. The initial phase involves renovating six schoolyards at OUSD campuses in 2023, creating safe and high-quality spaces for active play. Partnerships with organizations like the Oakland Athletic League, OUSD's Expanded Learning Program, KABOOM!, Aspen Institute, Under Armour, Oakland Genesis Soccer Club, Oakland Lacrosse, Positive Coaching Alliance, and Sport Court will further bolster the foundation's efforts.