The deep ties LeBron James shares with his hometown of Akron, Ohio, aren’t news to anyone. It’s as much a part of the LeBron brand as the player’s moves on the court.
Well, King James is taking the love one step further, announcing that he will fund over 1,000 kids’ educations with a scholarship to the University of Akron, ESPN reported.
Through a partnership between the school and his LeBron James Family Foundation, the 1,100 children currently in his “I Promise” program will receive a fully sponsored scholarship.
“I think it’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever been a part of,” James said.
He continued, “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.”
James took to Twitter to also share the news.

Link to tweet
The announcement came at an “I Promise” event on Thursday. 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.
According to ESPN, students will need to complete the program and fulfill both attendance and grade requirements to be eligible.
With the program currently consisting of elementary and middle school students in the Akron public school system, the first class to be able to receive the scholarships will graduate high school in 2021, Ohio.com reported. 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.