Generations of NBA stars have doubled as educators too in their own ways. From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar pushing STEAM in schools to Shaquille O’Neal giving out school supplies, NBA players have gone above and beyond to keep kids in school. But there’s an exclusive club of basketball stars who opened physical schools. LeBron James, Jalen Rose, and now Russell Westbrook have public or charter schools they opened and support. Magic Johnson was part of this club but remains an education activist in other ways while his school went defunct.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson stood out from the celebrity educators when he partnered with Bridgescape Academy. Unlike a traditional school, this program enabled dropouts to complete a high school diploma irrespective of personal circumstances. But this program was short-lived.

Magic Johnson helped at-risk kids

Since the ’90s, Magic Johnson’s efforts to make education accessible have been prominent. He’s donated millions for scholarships, contributed to facilities, and supported programs that help at-risk kids. In 2013, Magic did something innovative by partnering with EdisonLearning and the Chicago Public Schools Alternative Learning Opportunity Program. Thus, multiple Bridgescape Academies opened in multiple areas of Chicago over a couple of years.

This is different from LeBron James’ public school in Akron and Jalen Rose’s charter school. Bridgescape had alternative learning centers for the 13-21 age group. Their free online curriculum and resources helped at-risk kids or children who fell behind to get their diplomas, earn credits, and apply for ACTs and other tests. Unlike the traditional system, Bridgescape had an open campus policy and didn’t give homework as most of their students didn’t have the resources at home. They were encouraged to attend at least one year of a regular school and their graduation certificates bear the name of that school.

There are dozens of this program nationwide, including Ohio, Missouri, New Jersey, Georgia, and North Carolina. Two academies opened in Illinois’ South Shore and Lawndale neighborhoods. Others were in Norfolk, Englewood, Roseland, and more. The Lakers legend often visited the schools to talk to the kids. Several students were aspiring to be multi-faceted entrepreneurs in this program. But somehow, these academies faded to inexistence.

Not a Magic-al ending to Bridgescape

A quick search online showed the Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academies aren’t operating in the other states. The website is defunct and the domain name is for sale. But its absence in Illinois is glaring. The Illinois chapter had a working social media account until the pandemic. But locals in Chicago, one of the largest school districts in the country, commented on those pages that Bridgescape was no longer operational in The Windy City. It’s nothing to do with the 5x NBA champion, though.

School districts and education researchers studied EdisonLearning, which was operating an online program and the analysis was concerning. Students weren’t receiving enough in-person instruction and its online curriculum offered mostly low-level tasks. Worse, Edison charged schools a hefty fee to use their programs. In response, several schools in Chicago discontinued it.

Bridgescape was EdisonLearning’s specific alternative school program. When Chicago cut ties with EdisonLearning, it appears so did Magic. He hasn’t been at their events, though his education activism is thriving.

Johnson hailed Dr Dre for opening a new charter school in Los Angeles. The billionaire, though, stops short of it. Magic instead has raised scholarships for universities like Delaware and donated to several schools through his foundation. But he’d probably be cautious if not avoid the Russell Westbrook move.