LeBron James, Akron making college possible for city kids

It’s the latest example of James, who often refers to himself “as just a kid from Akron” giving back to a community that helped raise him.

LeBron James addresses students of the LeBron James Family Foundation and their families at the annual “I Promise” family reunion event Thursday, August 13, 2015, at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.

And in conjunction with the scholarship announcement, the university promised to rename its education college the “LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education”. They will be available to Akron public school students who are under James’ mentorship and who meet certain academic and service criteria.

James, standing onstage during the rally, had the kids recite the promises they make when they participate in his program. As his celebrity soared in high school, James played many game on the school’s campus and the four-time MVP deepened his connection with Akron soon after he turned professional. “A lot of African American kids, you don’t think past high school”. “Do you guys know how much money (that’s worth)?”

James, a former player for Miami Heat who returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers last year, is also a big player in the business world with hundreds of millions of dollars in endorsements from Nike, Coca-Cola, Samsung, McDonald’s, Powerade and Beats. “Not everybody can be an National Basketball Association superstar, so to be able to provide the framework to make your dreams come true is overpowering”.

WKYC-TV, a partner with the LeBron James Family Foundation, will be there to cover the action. The first class eligible for the scholarships will graduate in 2021.

“I think it’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever been apart of”. LeBron’s a hometown hero, he represents excellence, we’re proud to have him associated with university. The program is supported by the University of Akron and JPMorgan Chase.