Damian Lillard hosted 40 students and staff members from Open School’s Step Up program at a holiday celebration on Saturday night. After attending the Trail Blazers vs. Knicks game, our kids were treated to a catered dinner in a private suite at the Moda Center. Lillard presented each student with a backpack filled with special gifts and spoke to the kids about the importance of continuing their education.

Step Up is an after-school college-prep program for kids who hold tremendous promise, but need something different than traditional school. Step Up surrounds kids with what they need to graduate and go to college: advocacy, equity and rigorous academics.