NBA superstar LeBron James announced Thursday that his foundation has partnered with the University of Akron and JPMorgan Chase to ensure every child who finishes his I Promise program will receive a full scholarship.
According to ESPN, there are 1,100 at-risk children from Akron Public Schools currently enrolled in The LeBron James Family Foundation program.
If the current 7th graders enrolled in the program meet to-be-determined grade, attendance and community service requirements throughout high school, James’ foundation will pay their tuition. The first recipients of the scholarships will enter college in 2021. A year’s tuition at the University of Akron is currently about $9,500.
Every single kid who finish my program will go to college for FREE! #Tryingtomakeadifference @LJFamFoundation
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 13, 2015
James told ESPN:
I think it’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever been apart of. 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
— LeBron James Family Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) August 13, 2015
The university also announced they will be renaming its College of Education after James’ foundation.