LeBron James has vowed to pay for 1,100 kids’ educations at the University of Akron in Ohio.
The LeBron James Family Foundation is partnering with the University of Akron so that 1,100 children who are a part of his “I Promise” program will receive a fully sponsored scholarship.
James said: “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.”
Every single kid who finish my program will go to college for FREE! #Tryingtomakeadifference @LJFamFoundation
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 13, 2015
According to the Huffington Post:
University of Akron president Scott Scarborough estimated that a four-year scholarship to the school is about $38,000. ESPN reported that the school will also rename its College of Education after James’ foundation.
Students will have to complete grade and attendance requirements to be eligible.
Ohio.com reported that the first class to be able to receive the scholarships will graduate high school in 2021, as the program consists of elementary and middle school students in the Akron public school system. Children enter the program in the third grade. With another 1,200 students expected to join “I Promise” over the next four years, the number of possible scholarships awarded could reach 2,300.