LeBron James, University of Akron sponsor full scholarships for kids

The school and the LeBron James Family Foundation are still finalizing the criteria for the scholarships.

The scholarships, paid for by the university, will cover tuition and Akron’s general services fee – now worth about $9,500 a year.

Growing up in Akron, James can empathize with nearly all of the children his foundation works with.

All of the 1,100 students are in James’ “I Promise” program – ranging from third to seventh graders in his hometown of Akron, Ohio – and they must complete the program and meet attendance and grade requirements to receive the college tuition.

This brings us back to LeBron having to sit on the bench eating popcorn while his kids take on some of the park’s best-known attractions, including Millennium Force, the Top Thrill Dragster, the Maverick, the Wicked Twister and even the Shoot the Rapids water ride.

“I think it’s going to change so many lives”, James said. The result was an initiative they believe will inspire the area’s youth to achieve and reach their potential.

“It’s the reason I do what I do”, said LeBron James.

“He has a chance to change their futures”, Campbell said.

The first class eligible for a University of Akron scholarship will graduate in the spring of 2021, and, according to the agreement, the scholarships will extend initially to the Akron Public Schools graduating class of 2029.

Before they went inside the park, there was a rally in the parking lot featuring music and dancing that was topped with a big announcement from James and from University of Akron president Scott L. Scarborough. I think LeBron’s philosophy is that things are earned not given and that aligns well with our emphasis on experience and learning and career service and education.

The LJFF also announced the expansion of its long-time partnership with JPMorgan Chase & Co.