Magic Johnson Reforming Education In LA

Former Los Angeles Laker and California Hall of Fame inductee, Magic Johnson loves to help LA.

On Monday afternoon, the NBA-legend announced his partnership with education reform company EdisonLearning. The Magic Johnson-EdisonLearning Assist partnership is dedicated to developing and renewing the "social and economic fabric of urban communities," announced Johnson.

Beginning with the establishment of 10 Bridgescape Learning Centers, the Magic Johnson Foundation plans to create schools with a more personalized curriculum both online and in person -- all in the name of helping high school students achieve their diploma more efficiently. The Bridgescape classroom comprises small study groups, counseling, and flexible schedules for students at risk of dropping out.

"When just over 40 percent of students in Los Angeles - are graduating from high school steps need to be taken to recapture these students into the education system to better their opportunities in life," Magic Johnson announced.

The Magic Johnson Foundation plans to improve existing school districts as well. Achievement Teams within the Alliance School Turnaround Initiative work with local schools to promote stability and conducive learning environments -- similar to those in the smaller classrooms.

Magic Johnson's LA-based philanthropy has not gone unnoticed. After the NBA icon's 1992 HIV diagnosis, Magic Johnson has lead innumerable city-wide charitable efforts towards HIV/AIDS awareness. Earlier this year, the Magic Johnson Foundation hosted the E.R.A.S.E (Empowering and Reinforcing Awareness of Students through Education) HIV Youth Summit in Compton. It was an opportunity to open up a dialogue amongst students about HIV/AIDS awareness.

Similarly, the Magic Johnson Foundation's Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program (TMSP) plans to sponsor 38 new Scholars from challenging socioeconomic conditions that hinder the full expression of their talents. All Scholars also maintain a GPA 3.45.

"Improving the quality of life for people residing in urban areas is my life’s passion," said Magic, "and through Magic Johnson Enterprises we have been part of positive change in these communities."

For more information on the Magic Johnson Foundation, please reference the website.

Comments

[Caroline Grannan]

01:57 AM on 09/15/2011

Mr. Johnson must be unaware that Edison Learning attempted to take the education world by storm 10 years ago with Edison Schools, a for-profit operation that wowed the press and politicians while attempting to siphon our children's education funds into investors' pockets. The schools were not only a crashing academic failure but also failed in their primary mission, making money.

In the vein of "fool me twice shame on me," only someone who really had done no homework at all would get involved with this scammy operation. Earth calling Magic Johnson...

[TitaniumAvatar]

01:12 PM on 09/14/2011

Magic, Please buy the Dodgers!

[wayne the pain]

08:12 AM on 09/14/2011

Magic is making money for Magic! This is about making money not improving education! Magic is a good guy but he is a capitalist not an educator. Please stop giving awards for his support of education when he is out to make a buck! It this venture doesn't make money he will be out of it in a heart beat!

[leorangerie]

12:34 AM on 09/14/2011

Magic Johnson is, was, and always will be a class act. That's who he is. We're lucky he remains an integral part of LA. And he remains the best point guard in NBA history. So there.