NBA star Lebron James announced last Thursday that his foundation is collaborating with the University of Akron to sponsor over a thousand scholarships for kids in his I Promise program. The program, based in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, is a part of the LeBron James Family Foundationās initiative to help finance childrenās education.
Though the initiative primarily catered to students from third to seventh grade, it is now also extending tuition support for college students who meet the programās requirements. James shared with ESPN his intentions behind the new scholarship program:
āI think itās probably one of the best things Iāve 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 donāt really think past high school because itās not possible or your family canāt support you. For us to be able to do something like this⦠it means so much.ā
In an interview with NBCās āToday,ā James said:
āIf I can put 1,100 kids in college, that means Iāve done something where I can give back.ā
The four-year academic scholarship will make a difference for students who come from a disadvantaged socioeconomic background.
One yearās tuition at the University of Akron is approximated to cost $9,500. James will spend an estimated $41.8 million to sponsor 1,100 kidsā four-year degrees at the University of Akron — essentially his paycheck for two seasons with the Cavaliers.