Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam stopped by Indiana Math and Science Academy West on Dec. 15 to mark the start of a new partnership between the school and his foundation, PS43. The three-time NBA all-star chatted with students, posed for photos and spoke with the media about the importance of what schools like IMSA West do for their communities.
PS43 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through education, life skills and mentorship––a mission that perfectly aligns with IMSA’s vision for accessible education for all.
“We are honored to partner with Pascal Siakam and the PS43 Foundation,” IMSA West assistant principal Justin Kirby said. “The EdTech Engine isn’t just a resource—it’s an accelerant. It gives our students the power to explore, create, and think bigger than ever before. We’re grateful for the opportunities this partnership brings and the doors it will open for our kids.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam poses with Indiana Math and Science Academy students (photo credit: Indiana Pacers).
Siakam told reporters he believes it’s his “duty” to support young students on their education journeys––a concept he took from his late father when they lived in Cameroon. His father championed the power of education and what it can do for people and their communities. Using his father as his inspiration, the Pacers forward has become one of the NBA’s greatest international success stories over the last two decades for what he has done on and off the court.
Siakam, who won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2018 and helped lead the Pacers to a Finals appearance last year, is now in a position where he can give back to others the way his father always envisioned.
“It means everything,” Siakam said. “Education means everything to not just me but my dad and my family. Just having an outlet to do something cool and knowing that it’s helping and making a difference for the kids is really what I care about. I appreciate (Indiana Math and Science Academy) for what they’ve done. For me, (I’m trying to find) ways to get into the community and this is a perfect example of (being able to do that).”
Indiana Math and Science Academy schools are going to receive plenty of support over the next several years. Earlier this month, Lilly Endowment Inc. announced it is going to give IMSA $10,816,219 over the next five years to enhance the schools’ educational experience.
