If you’re in Los Angeles, start cheering for the Kings because, for every goal they score in the 2013 hockey season, $1,000 will be donated to area schools.
The Kings are partnering with Wells Fargo & Company, FOX Sports West, and a public school turnaround project, Partnership for Los Angeles Schools to raise awareness and support technology in the classroom, FOX Sports West reports.
“This blend of philanthropy and sports will ultimately bring new technologies and online learning to the students at the Partnership for LA schools,” Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told FOX Sports West.
The Partnership is hoping that by bringing technology to nearly 16,000 students in 22 schools, student outcomes in math, English, and on the state’s high school exit exam will improve.
John Sotoodeh, Wells Fargo’s community banking regional president told FOX Sports West that “we have to to make sure our kids have access to the tools necessary to compete,” in a global, 21st century economy.
This type of philanthropic partnership isn’t the first involving professional athletes and local schools.
The International Reading Association partnered with the American Basketball Association to launch a new youth-reading initiative called “Fast Break for Reading.”
Even Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker La Maar Woodley donated $60,000 to a Michigan school district to cover student-athletes’ participation fees for the 2012-13 school year.
So even if some educators and students don’t find sports to be interesting, they now have some small reason to start cheering on their local teams.
A thousand dollars might not seem like much, but if the Kings prove to have a good season this year, that amount could add up very nicely for Los Angeles area schools.