*LeBron James is giving kids in Akron, Ohio the chance to get the most out of their education.
The NBA all-star announced a partnership with his foundation and the University of Akron and JPMorgan Chase to provide a full scholarship to every child who finishes his I Promise program, ESPN reports, adding that the university announced it would rename its College of Education after James’ foundation.
Currently, there are 1,100 at-risk children from Akron Public Schools enrolled in The LeBron James Family Foundation program, the network added.
Every single kid who finish my program will go to college for FREE! #Tryingtomakeadifference @LJFamFoundation
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 13, 2015
James’ foundation will ultimately pay the tuition of current 7th graders enrolled in the program who meet to-be-determined grade, attendance and community service requirements throughout high school. The scholarship’s first recipients will enter college in 2012. ESPN notes that a year’s tuition at the University of Akron currently amounts to about $9,500.
For James, the chance to help further the education of area youth is something he is proud of.
“I think it’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever been apart of,” he told ESPN. “This is very special to me. As a kid growing up in the inner city and as an African American kid, you don’t really think past high school because it’s not possible or your family can’t support you. For us to be able to do something like this … it means so much.”
We are proud to partner with President Scarborough, @uakron & @Chase for our kids & their future #IPROMISE #LJFFCOE pic.twitter.com/2PLZCClU5f — LJ’s Fam Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) August 13, 2015
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
