Pacers Sports & Entertainment NBA Math Hoops

Investing In STEM Education

The Pacers Foundation mission seeks to empower young people and invest in community partnerships addressing equity and justice in education, health, and safety. We envision Indiana as a place where our young people have access to opportunities and experiences to thrive. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the Lilly Foundation and Learn Fresh to bring NBA Math Hoops to Indianapolis Public Schools and the State of Indiana.

Our Story

The Pacers Foundation and the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation in 2022 announced a collaboration to reinforce STEM education in Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and schools across the State of Indiana. The initiative, a basketball board and digital game to help elementary and middle school students improve fundamental math and interpersonal skills like sportsmanship, seeks to address gaps in math proficiency in NBA cities across the country.

“The Pacers Foundation strives to work with partners to help close persistent gaps in education outcomes, and NBA Math Hoops is a wonderful tool for IPS teachers supporting students acquiring those critical STEM skills,” said Rick Fuson, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. We are grateful to the Lilly Foundation for its generous support, and we look forward to working alongside our local schools to help improve educational access.”

The four-year initiative is made possible by a generous $800,000 grant from the Lilly Foundation to the Pacers Foundation and aligns to a statewide focus by education, business and civic leaders to strengthen access to quality STEM education. Data shows persistent gaps in math proficiency, particularly for lower-income students, even as more careers demand greater mastery of STEM subjects. The NBA Math Hoops program has demonstrated success over time in improving outcomes in cities where it has been implemented through schools and community organizations.

“By implementing NBA Math Hoops, the Pacers Foundation and Indianapolis Public Schools will offer students a fun and interactive way to improve math skills,” said Cynthia Cardona, president of the Lilly Foundation.

Ready to join the PS&E NBA Math Hoops Family?

Reach out to foundation@pacers.com for more information about program eligibility.