As part of our off-court academic curriculum for the Collegiate Summer Camp Series, PYB will be introducing the NBA Math Hoops game from the Learn Fresh Education Company to our campers. It is a fast-paced basketball board game and mobile app that allows students to learn fundamental math skills through direct engagement with the real statistics of their favorite NBA and WNBA players.
The NBA Math Hoops curriculum is tied to Common Core State Standards and 21st Century Learning Skills, and it has been shown to improve students’ basic math skills and understanding of statistics, as well as their interpersonal skills, driving them to collaborate more effectively with their peers. The central goal of the game program is to tackle systemic issues present in the education of low-income students, particularly those who have historically been denied resources and opportunities to fall in love with and excel at math. The goals of the game and its producers are in line with our aims to improve entire communities through partnerships with school districts, after school programs, and community based organizations at no cost to them. The game program works to harness these partnerships to implement year-long NBA Math Hoops “seasons”, during which students play the game on a consistent schedule in a classroom or after school setting—their given NBA Math Hoops “chapter”. Throughout the year, substantial training and support is provided to educators involved with the program, helping them to improve their efficacy and to deepen the impact of the NBA Math Hoops program and curriculum.
Overall, NBA Math Hoops seeks to help students develop an appreciation for and understanding of math, allowing them to become passionate, self-directed learners with the capacity to control their personal and educational narratives. PYB is excited to be implementing this module into our programming this summer to help serve and engage the young people of Philadelphia.