Russell Westbrook has partnered with the L.A. Promise Fund to open up middle and high schools in the greater Los Angeles, California area. Westbrook's Why Not? Academy will work "to create better access to educational and outdoor opportunities for children and the community at large in South L.A." "I've realized through the work with my [Why Not? Foundation] how often schools in underserved communities lack the resources and funding needed to support their students," the Long Beach native told PEOPLE. "I not only want to inspire and empower these students but I want to help provide the essential and necessary resources to set them up for success beyond the classroom."