Hornets and Honeywell Help give Students a Vision of the Future

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Hornets partnered with several organizations to show students what the “A” in S.T.E.A.M can provide.

S.T.E.A.M. refers to an education focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts and math. For the second year, Kelly Oubre Jr., the Hornets, Honeywell and the Digi-Bridge non profit organization came together to give students the chance to strut their stuff.

“I mean it is inspiring to me as it should be to everybody else because this is the next generation. I mean these kids are gonna be who we leave to take over the world one day, so I mean to inspire them to you know give them a platform to create and design or at least find a passion man that’s kinda my goal in this whole thing and I’m just blessed to be a part of this whole situation,” said Oubre, a small forward and shooting guard for the Hornets and the owner of Dope$oul fashion line.

The Future Shaper Design Experience looks to show students alternative opportunities in S.T.E.A.M careers.

“I get to play in front of thousands of people every night but these kids are doing things on a day to day basis to improve themselves and set themselves up for the future and I”m a big fan of theirs because they stepped up to the plate and created something that was difficult to do,” said Oubre.

During the months long process students from several local schools met with mentors, consultants and designers to create personal bifocals for the baller and fashion mogul.

“[I] like talking to people and getting to know their ideas which was also pretty fun,” said Advik Dubey, a sixth grader at Rea Farms S.T.E.A.M Academy.

“This feels amazing because I know a lot of people don’t get this opportunity so I feel honored to get to be a part of this,” said Landyn Goodwin, an eighth grader at Southwest Charlotte S.T.E.M Academy. “The hardest part was coming up with what to do honestly because I was conflicted with a lot of different designs,” she added.

On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, they showcased their creations. Now Oubre has the impossible task of narrowing down his favorites to wear pregame.

“I’m gonna look at everybody’s creations and you know whoever fits the best because you know fashion and design has to do with quality fit the crowd you are trying to sell to but at the end of the day all of these kids are superstars and I’ll be blessed to wear any of them,” said Oubre.