The Jason Kidd Foundation raises money to support Northern Light School in Oakland, California. The school, which opened in 1989, provides a high-quality learning environment to help students fulfill their dreams.

Northern Light graduates have gone on to become: doctors, lawyers, teachers, musicians, engineers, astronauts, Navy Seals, artists, coaches and entrepreneurs.

Here’s another story from one such student:

Alvaro Rodriguez, Class of 2006, Marin Academy High School
Santa Clara University, 2015

Alvaro Rodriguez was "born and raised" at Northern Light School and spent his entire early childhood and elementary educational career in the care of Northern Light School.

Alvaro comes from a Spanish-speaking family, and he and his sister, Isabella, are the only two individuals in the family that speak English. Because of this, and because of the fact that his sister, Isabella, was diagnosed with diabetes as a young child, Alvaro has always been extremely protective of his sister and his family, and has felt a deep responsibility to be present for them. Therefore, as a result, Alvaro developed great anxiety whenever he was separated from his sister or parents.

This proved especially challenging for Alvaro when it came time for him to prepare for high school. However, knowing that he had to demonstrate to his sister he was creating a positive pathway for her in life, Alvaro attended Marin Academy on full scholarship. While at Marin Academy, Alvaro maintained a 4.0 GPA, and began taking Japanese language lessons.

Upon graduation from Marin Academy last May, Alvaro was almost completely fluent in Japanese. Because he now speaks three languages, Alvaro wishes to study International Relations while at Santa Clara University and dreams of working for the United Nations one day. We are so proud of Alvaro for his accomplishments, and for being courageous and determined in the face of adversity to be a shining example for his sister.

You can help to make a difference by donating to the Jason Kidd Foundation. Donate now and you could win a chance to meet Jason at his Celebrity Casino Night on March 21st!