For George Lee, sports and education have always gone hand in hand.
“I grew up in Koreatown, a big Lakers and Dodgers fan,” he says. “Sports were my childhood, but they were also how I learned.”
Now, as an Area Program Supervisor with the Education Department LA’s BEST, George is the driving force behind bringing innovative STEM-based sports programs like NBA Math Hoops, MLB Players STEM League, and MLS STEM Goals to schools across Los Angeles.
But for George, it’s not just about programs. It’s about purpose.
“Not every kid sees themselves in the classroom,” he says. “Math Hoops gives students another way in. They’re learning math while playing a game that excites them.”
This year, when Alexander from Aragon Elementary was selected to compete in the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship, George was there every step of the way.
“Seeing him thrive, seeing his classmates get excited and want to join next year, that’s the ripple effect,” George said. “That’s what this is about.”
George speaks passionately about how partnerships with organizations like Learn Fresh allow LA’s BEST to provide meaningful, equitable opportunities. These include NBA game tickets, STEM-focused enrichment, and real-world learning at no cost to students and families.
“These are Title I schools. Many families can’t afford these experiences. We bring it to them for free,” he says. “And it’s not just play. It’s math, teamwork, data, and career exposure.”
George’s own journey fuels his work. A self-described neurodivergent kid who didn’t fit in, he found mentorship and acceptance in afterschool programs.
“I didn’t have a favorite teacher growing up,” he says. “I had afterschool counselors who gave me a shot. Now I want to be that for someone else.”
To date, George has taken over 600 students to Lakers games, something he considers one of his proudest accomplishments.
“I’m not just showing up to work,” he says. “I’m showing up for my younger self. And I’m building bridges for these kids to walk into their futures with confidence.”
