Kobe Bryant - National Celebrity Ambassador  

Kobe has been the National Ambassador for After-School All-Stars (ASAS) since 2007. He was inspired by the programs’ ability to keep kids safe during the critical after-school hours when they are most likely to join gangs, smoke cigarettes, or experiment with drugs, alcohol or sex. He has met thousands of kids participating in the organization’s comprehensive after-school programs that include academics support, personal enrichment opportunities, and of course, athletic programs.  ASAS currently serves 70,000 low-income, urban youth in 13 cities across the country.

As ASAS’ national ambassador, Kobe has visited students in Los Angeles, Orlando and Miami, and plans to visit many other ASAS cities. In addition to speaking with students about the importance of education, he also held a basketball clinic with hundreds of kids in Miami. Last year, KB helped ASAS auction off a HUMMER on eBay and personally handed the keys to the winning bidder – 100% proceeds benefited ASAS.

                 

“Education is key,” Kobe said during his visit to Bret Harte Middle School in Los Angeles. “As a kid it never sinks in until you are put in an environment where it all comes to fruition. So it has to be lived, not only said, but it has to be lived. Through this program, in this environment, the importance of education is lived on a daily basis. That is what makes this program so special.”

Visit Kobe's official website.