When Roxana first enrolled her son Alexander in LA’s BEST, she was a single mom working long hours and in need of a safe, supportive space for him after school. What she didn’t expect was that the program would change both their lives.
“I would pick him up and his homework was done,” Roxana recalls. “Eventually, he started getting mad if I picked him up early. He’d say, ‘Can you come at 5:50? I’m doing stuff with my friends.’”
Over the years, Alexander discovered a love for sports, art, and music through the programs offered at LA’s BEST. But it was NBA Math Hoops, a fast-paced board game that blends basketball with math, that really made things click. Not only did it sharpen his skills, it launched him into an unforgettable journey.
This year, Alexander was selected to represent LA’s BEST at the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship in New York City.
“I was really glad and surprised,” he said, smiling. “It was a great experience.”
From practicing math in fun, competitive ways to traveling to a new city, Alexander was all in. His favorite part? Visiting the Jackie Robinson Museum, a meaningful moment for the proud Dodgers fan.
“There were jerseys, cleats, trophies… and we did a scavenger hunt at the end,” he shared.
Roxana got to come along too, her first time visiting New York.
“They had an agenda for us every day,” she said. “It was amazing. The kids met students from other states, went to colleges, visited the NBA Draft. It was nonstop learning and joy.”
She credits the program for giving Alexander more than just academic support. It introduced him to band and orchestra. It encouraged his involvement in the USC NAI program, which guides students from middle school through college. Most importantly, it helped him grow into a confident, well-rounded young person.
“LA’s BEST is more than childcare,” Roxana said. “It helps kids who are shy or struggling, and it supports parents who are working hard. It gave me peace of mind and gave Alex a chance to shine.”
Now, Alexander encourages other students not to be nervous.
“Don’t stress it,” he says. “It’s a fun program. It’s all gonna go well.”
