Student selected for NBA Math Hoops Championship in NYC

Education

May 7

Kyler Jackson
Photo courtesy of STEM Greenhouse

Kyler Jackson, an eighth-grade student at Dickinson Academy and participant in STEM Greenhouse’s after-school STEM Scholars program, has been selected from more than 200,000 students nationwide to represent the Detroit Pistons at the 2025 NBA Math Hoops Global Championship in New York City.

The national competition, hosted by Learn Fresh in partnership with the NBA, blends basketball, math, and data literacy to engage middle school students in meaningful STEM learning.

Kyler will travel to New York in June 2025 to participate in a multi-day experience that includes competition events, NBA-hosted activities, travel, hotel accommodations, and most meals, all provided by the NBA Math Hoops program.

“I believe I can make an impact on other people like this program has impacted me,” Kyler said. “My grades have skyrocketed since joining this after-school program, and I’ve decided I want to become an anesthesiologist because of how much that can help others.”

Kyler participates in NBA Math Hoops through STEM Scholars, a program offered by STEM Greenhouse that centers academic growth, identity, and opportunity for middle school students of color. According to Kyler’s after-school instructor and Director of STEM Scholars Jhay Levi-Alford, Kyler’s selection reflects the power of rigorous instruction, trusted relationships, and representation.

“What Kyler accomplished is bigger than an invitation. It’s a shift in what’s possible,” said Levi-Alford. “Kyler’s selection reminds each of our students and young people that brilliance is already within them.”

NBA Math Hoops is a nationally recognized initiative that uses real NBA and WNBA statistics to make math engaging and relevant. Now in its first year at STEM Scholars, the program has helped boost student engagement and made learning feel joyful and connected to real life.

“At STEM Greenhouse, we are committed to creating learning environments where students experience math in ways that are hands-on, meaningful, and aligned with their interests,” Levi-Alford said. “Bringing in this program was an easy decision because it reflects who our students are and how they learn best. We’ve seen it over and over again—when they are seen, supported, and challenged, they rise.”