Drone Racing League Tabs Chris Bosh as Dean of STEM Academy

Former NBA All-Star Chris Bosh is joining the Drone Racing League as the dean of the DRL Academy, the league’s digital youth STEM — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — program.

Bosh, an 11-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, and two-time DRL champion Jordan “Jet” Temkin will “teach kids about the science behind the sport of high-speed drone racing” through an educational content series.  The academy was developed in March to supplement remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Our sport is for infinite learners —  and as parents continue to navigate the new playing field of education, we’re excited to offer dynamic STEM programming to supplement remote learning,” DRL President Rachel Jacobson said in an announcement. “DRL Dean Bosh had a championship career in the NBA, and he is bringing that same enthusiasm, intensity and dedication that he showed on the court to our DRL Academy.”

Kids participating in the academy will be able to test what they learn on DRL Simulator, the league’s immersive drone racing game — available on Xbox and online game distribution platform Steam — that teaches players how to build and fly drones through training missions. 

The 2020 DRL reason, which begins on Oct. 21 and airs on NBC Sports, Twitter and Facebook Watch, will feature pilots competing in the DRM SIM.

Bosh, who initially planned to study graphic design and computer imaging at Georgia Tech before declaring for the NBA Draft, has long had a passion for melding sports and technology. 

“I love engineering and technology and believe every kid should be given access to STEM education. With this year’s school closures, I became Principal Bosh for my five kids at home —  and now, I’m thrilled to announce my promotion to Dean Bosh, and help kids around the world learn about science through the fun, high-tech, family-friendly sport of the Drone Racing League,” Bosh said.