Entertainment

Boston Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Scores Big for Kids’ Education

By Jake Beardslee · July 24, 2023

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is using his platform as a star NBA player to make a difference off the court. Through his nonprofit, the 7uice Foundation, Brown is providing educational opportunities for underserved youth.

“It’s centered around leadership and activism, but also mental health and wellness and also sustainability, environmental health as well,” Brown said, explaining his foundation’s mission on ABC News.

One of the 7uice’s key initiatives is Bridge, a five-day summer program for high school students in the Boston area operated in partnership with MIT. Brown said the program focuses on “science, technology, engineering and math, but also leadership, activism, art, culture.”

“It’s basically like a summer camp without basketball,” he said. “Just trying to give… students that come from disadvantaged communities the resources that they probably deserve.”

Brown’s motivation stems from his own background coming from an under-privileged corner of Marietta, Georgia. “I was able to have a great sense of mentors and community centers that I kind of relied on,” he said. “But depending on where your zip code is, it can determine your future and your social mobility in this country.”

Elected the youngest VP in the history of the National Basketball Players Association, the two-time All-Star wants to help kids reach their potential regardless of their circumstances. “I’ll forever fight for those kids because I am one of them,” Brown said.  

Looking ahead, Brown hopes to expand the Bridge program globally. “School is kind of on the move now,” he said. “Being able to have different ways, different curriculums that are action-based, that are more problem-posing, solution-based; that kids can learn on the fly, learn through internships. Learn through moving, and learn through a global kind of connectivity - is something that I’m interested in doing with Bridge.”

On the court, Brown is focused on bringing another championship to Boston, teaming with fellow Celtic star Jayson Tatum. “It’s a privilege to be in a winning organization and a winning team. It would be great to bring back the guys and try to make another run,” he said of the Celtics’ prospects for the 2023-24 season. 

With his basketball talents and passion for community service, Jaylen Brown is determined to make a difference on and off the court. As he put it, “I’ll give everything to make this world a better place.”