Two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant opened the doors to "The Durant Center" today, an after-school center for kids in his hometown of Prince George’s County, Maryland.
According to reports, Durant partnered with Oakland-based College Track to break ground on The Durant Center last winter, and he was on hand today for the grand opening ahead of tomorrow night's matchup against the Washington Wizards.
As part of the initiative, Durant has pledged $10 million over the next decade to the program, which aims to provide “academic, financial and social-emotional support” for ninth-grade students from underserved communities. The organization "uses a 10-year plan to help students from their early teenage years through college graduation by providing tutoring services and funds for college scholarships."
Per The Washington Post:
“The full circle stuff that you dream about,” said Durant, who grew up in the Suitland neighborhood, virtually across the street from the education center that now bears his name. “So many people that meant so much to me at that time, and to see my name on the building … ”
“Hopefully that inspires kids in the area,” the 30-year-old superstar said.
69 students have already been accepted to the after-school program based on their "grades and their overall motivation," with an emphasis on low-income families.