LeBron James, through his foundation, is giving college kids a hand. Eventually, James also plans to take a few higher education courses himself.
Humbled & unbelievably proud to announce the #LJFF I PROMISE Institute at @UAkron!! Go back. invest. Rebuild. Change. that’s our duty. pic.twitter.com/4wND9HXiBH
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 12, 2016
LeBron began his Hall of Fame career directly out of high school; he says that he has a keen interest in both world history and math.
The I PROMISE Institute is a partnership between LBJ’s foundation and the University of Akron.
LeBron James has plans for his own college education at the University of Akron: https://t.co/GjDxJTHqVd
— Jason Lloyd (@JasonLloydABJ) October 13, 2016
Per the Akron Beacon Journal:
“I’m signed up at the University of Akron for whenever I’m able to get a little bit of down time. That’s always been a conversation that took place to take some college courses, take some classes,” he said. “So right now I just do a lot of reading, book reading, and obviously I’m around some really good people that I kind of take their knowledge and sort it into my mind.”
James’ foundation previously secured full scholarships to Akron for all kids who complete his “I PROMISE” program and fulfill some other requirements. Now the foundation is establishing the “I PROMISE Institute” to give them the tutors and support necessary to ensure they graduate college. James’ inaugural class of third graders are now in eighth grade. The institute will be in place by the time the kids begin college.
“We’re putting these kids in college and getting them education, but also the success rate of graduating college is very low as well even once you get to college,” James said Thursday. “We wanted to figure out a way where we could help these kids graduate college and that’s where the institute came from. … Just trying to make a difference.”lockquote>
