Make Math Fun: Mizzen Education and Learn Fresh Team Up to Bring Game-Based Math to the Out-of-School Time Community
Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA (August 12, 2024) — Mizzen Education (www.mizzen.org) and Learn Fresh (www.learnfresh.org) announced a new partnership today to offer NBA Math Hoops by Learn Fresh to youth-serving professionals across the U.S.—for free—through Mizzen Education’s digital learning platform and community.
Leaning intently over her work with a green marker and a purple star sticker on her cheek, a student races through quick calculations to get her team’s last shot on the board. Seconds later, the clock stops and everyone erupts in cheers. Harnessing the blood-pumping fun of basketball, this is NBA Math Hoops in action.
Invented by a math instructor, NBA Math Hoops is a signature Learn Fresh program that leverages students’ passion for the game of basketball to build fundamental math and social-emotional skills. Implemented in partnership with over 30 NBA and WNBA teams, the program reaches more than 1 million youth and nets powerful results in student engagement and math.
Starting now, NBA Math Hoops also is available to youth-serving professionals everywhere through Mizzen Education’s all-in-one learning platform for the out-of-school time community. The platform also features unique learning experiences by PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, the Pulitzer Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Nature Conservancy, the National Wildlife Federation, VentureLab, PowerUp Fitness, and more.
The ten-part NBA Math Hoops module on Mizzen includes access to a physical and digital basketball-themed board game, a detailed curriculum, and a community program experience. Practitioners can order a free copy of the board game for their students through Activity 1 (resources).
“For us at Mizzen Education, Learn Fresh and the NBA Math Hoops program check off all the areas of our mission statement: curiosity, joy, and love of learning,” said Carlos Santini, Mizzen Education CEO. “Whether they’re immersed in math calculations or perfecting their virtual three-pointer, youth love this game. We're so fortunate to collaborate with Nick Monzi and his team to help bring this experience to as many young people and educators as possible via the Mizzen Education platform.”
“Learn Fresh is excited to launch a long-term partnership with Mizzen Education,” said Nick Monzi, Learn Fresh CEO. “The foundations of this connection date back to the earliest years of our work, when we first engaged with Mizzen CEO Carlos Santini through our NBA Math Hoops program. Our partnership is the realization of a shared vision for supporting students in the out-of-school time space. We're excited to collaborate with their fantastic team and further expand our national reach.”
Middle school STEM success matters. Fluency and confidence in math at this critical juncture predict the likelihood of high school graduation. But learning doesn’t just happen during the school day. Youth spend more than 80% of their time learning outside of school—in crucial afterschool, library, and summer camp programs and clubs; at home and in their communities. Equipped with high-quality learning content, educators in every setting can significantly improve math access and success.
“It’s remarkable to witness how this program has helped my students sharpen their math and instilled important life skills like teamwork and problem-solving,” said Diana León, a teacher in San Antonio, TX. “The confidence they have gained by participating in NBA Math Hoops is priceless. It has also helped my kids create a genuine love for learning and helped them excel both in the classroom and life.”
Beyond unique learning modules, the new Mizzen Education x Learn Fresh partnership will introduce pro tips, professional learning opportunities, and special events that empower out-of-school time educators to elevate math quality and increase educational access, and equity. This multiyear initiative is made possible through generous grant support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
“With this partnership, we hope to reach students and educators across the country and provide more equitable access to our resources,” said Colleen Serafini, Chief Partnerships Officer at Learn Fresh. “This is just the beginning and we look forward to our continued collaboration!"
“Both teams are excited to see the partnership vision come to life and become a reality to support Mizzen’s out-of-school time and school day communities,” said Angelina Garner, VP of Strategic Innovation and Partnerships at Mizzen Education. “NBA Math Hoops will be the first of many Learn Fresh resources launched on the Mizzen Education platform. We are elated to grow our partnership and to see where the innovation takes us!”
How to Access NBA Math Hoops on Mizzen Education
Out-of-school time educators can access the full ten-part NBA Math Hoops module by creating a free account on Mizzen Education. In Activity 1 (see the resources section), they’ll find an order form to request a free copy of the NBA Math Hoops board game.
About Mizzen Education and Learn Fresh
Mizzen Education is a 501(c)3 nonprofit on a mission to empower, uplift, and support out-of-school time educators. Built with practitioners, its digital platform of curated learning resources offers thousands of K-12 activities—for free—that spark curiosity, joy, and a love of learning for young people everywhere.
Learn Fresh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing innovative STEM learning experiences that empower educators and inspire students. Through community, play, and rigorous exploration, Learn Fresh programs leverage students’ passion for sports and entertainment to inspire their STEM and social-emotional learning.
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PR Contacts
For more details, please contact:
Kristin Stayer, VP, Engagement and Educator Experiences at Mizzen Education
kristin@mizzen.org or phone: (463) 777-9812
Lia Looram, Sr. Manager Marketing and Communications at Learn Fresh
lia@learnfresh.org or phone: (201) 575-3715