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Learn Fresh: Transforming STEM Learning through NBA Math Hoops Gamification

Learn Fresh Instills Math Confidence and Skills through Gamification

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April 30, 2025
Camila Ramirez
Sixth grader Camila Ramirez started participating in Learn Fresh’s free NBA Math Hoops program at the suggestion of her math teacher. Little did she know that this program would open doors for her first travels outside of Texas, the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship trophy, and math skills and confidence that would last her a lifetime. After participating in the Math Hoops season in San Antonio, Camila applied for the opportunity to participate in the championship in New York City. This all-expenses-paid trip included multiple days of intense math-based team competition as well as community excursions to the 2024 NBA Draft to meet players on the red carpet and a tour of NBA headquarters. Camila and her teammate won the competition in New York, and subsequently Camila competed in Learn Fresh’s first European championship in Paris.

“Playing the game [has] definitely raised my confidence… My biggest takeaway is that working hard and being determined can really get you far and can really help you in life. Also, math can take you places!”

Camila Ramirez, NBA Math Hoops Global Champion

The NBA Math Hoops program uses gameplay to teach key math skills as well as teamwork and fair play. Students compete in teams of two, drafting a team of NBA and WNBA players and solving math problems using real-life player statistics to score points. The NBA Math Hoops mobile app updates players’ stats in real time and allows students to access learning experiences on the go. A curriculum accompanies the game, with 10 lessons focused on building grade-level math fluency and social-emotional competency.

Learn Fresh envisions a world in which students find learning so engaging that they want to do it all the time. Through community, play and rigorous exploration, Learn Fresh leverages students’ passion for sports and entertainment to inspire their STEM and social-emotional learning. Every program includes both an in-class component and opportunities to bring learning to life through community excursions, as well as a support network for both students and educators.

Takeda’s support for Learn Fresh has enabled the organization to grow in multiple ways. In 2019, Learn Fresh had five full-time employees; now they are a team of 24. Learn Fresh has scaled up its NBA Math Hoops program, as well as launched similar programs in partnership with Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball Players Association. For students interested in the music and entertainment industry, Learn Fresh started EcoTour, which teaches students environmental literacy as they plan a U.S. tour for their favorite performing artist.

Learn Fresh’s community impact1,2

Since its founding in 2012

1.2 million

students served

12,000

educators trained

91%

of NBA Math Hoops participants feel more confident in STEM classes

2023-2024 season

28%

improvement in math fluency (2023-2024 season)

93%

of students are from low-income communities

72%

of participants are students of color (2023-2024 season)

49%

of participants are girls (2023-2024 season)

“Learn Fresh as an organization has an ambitious mission of making learning fun for all students. It could take a lifetime or more to achieve, but we believe it’s possible through the types of programs that we run, like NBA Math Hoops.”

Nick Monzi, chief executive officer and co-founder of Learn Fresh

References