Students of the inaugural class at LeBron James’ I Promise Network in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, have been gifted the biggest gift of all—a promise for the future.
The LeBron James Family Foundation made the announcement on Wednesday, in partnership with Kent State. 193 high school juniors who were visiting the Kent State campus got the news via a video announcement. The room exploded in cries and cheers while parents watched from a separate room through a live stream video.
Students at I Promise all attend pre-college enrichment programs during their summers.
Kent state clarified that there are certain requirements to be eligible for the scholarship. Students who apply must obviously be accepted by the university. They also need to fill out required financial aid forms and complete a certain amount of community service hours each semester. And to stay eligible once enrolled, students must remain in good academic standing.
“Our plan is to offer the same opportunity to future I PROMISE classes as well,” Senior Vice President, Melody Tankersley said.
“The efforts of the I PROMISE students are to be celebrated.”
The deal is guaranteeing four years tuition-free with one year of free room and board along with a meal plan. Kent State has promised to cover exceeding costs that remain after federal funds come through.
“We have so many options, and I just know that so many kids in my community just don’t have many options,” James told CNN. “So for me to be able to be in a position where I can give these kids options to decide what they want to do with their future, it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever done.”
I Promise has a strong relationship with Kent State and Akron University, respectively. If students choose to do so, Akron U is an option as well.
They get to decide if they want to get free tuition there or if they want to go to Akron U,” James told reporters.
The I Promise Network was established in 2018. From the beginning, the school had goals to support students’ futures. I Promise aims to help at-risk kids. The curriculum is STEM-based.
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