The Chicago Bulls celebrated the first “Youth Education Night” at their game vs. Charlotte Bobcats on November 18. Through a number of pre-game and in-game activities, the Bulls recognized local students and the team’s community partners that focus on education programming.
Students attending the game were encouraged to bring their report cards and show them to Bulls staff at a special table on the concourse. All students who showed their report card received a free Bulls gift.
The Bulls welcomed students from After-School All-Stars (ASAS) to the game as representatives of the team’s community partners that focus on educational programming. The ASAS students, who are in 6th through 8th grades at Shoop Academy in Morgan Park, attended a pre-game career session hosted by Bulls staff, watched the team’s shoot-around, took a center court photo and stayed for the game as guests of the team. Four ASAS students also served as the team’s honorary captains and game ball presenters.
ASAS is a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive out-of-school time programs that keep children safe and help them succeed in school. During the 2012-2013 academic year, ASAS served approximately 170 Chicago Public Schools reaching 30,000 students.
The Chicago Bulls partner with a number of local nonprofit organizations that focus on enhancing academic performance and school attendance. Through the team’s community relations efforts and Chicago Bulls Charities, the Bulls support events and initiatives that ensure children in our community have the educational resources and tools they need to thrive.
Youth Education Night was the first in a series of three Signature Nights that will be held during the regular season to celebrate the Chicago Bulls’ areas of charitable focus. “Health and Wellness Night” is scheduled for the January 7, 2014 game vs. Phoenix Suns, and “Violence Prevention Night” is scheduled for the March 31, 2014 game vs. Boston Celtics.
Photos courtesy of Carolina Sanchez
