LeBron James launches student support program at University of Akron

LeBron James wants to do more than send kids from his native Ohio to college on full scholarship — he wants to make sure they graduate, too.

The LeBron James Family Foundation announced Thursday the I Promise Institute at the University of Akron, a program that deepens the organization’s relationship with the school. Now, instead of awarding four-year UA scholarships to select students from Akron and northeast Ohio, James’ foundation will also ensure those students receive the study and personal resources they need to thrive.

“When we first started this program, I wanted my kids to graduate from high school. But the more we grow as a Foundation, the more we find can be done to give our kids the best chance to be successful,” James, who hails from Akron, wrote in the announcement. “We don’t just want our kids to get to college, we want them to graduate from college. And we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to help them do that.”

The I Promise Institute “will have a team of educators dedicated to researching best practices, implementing academic interventions, and providing around-the-clock support for its students as they navigate college,” according to the release on the foundation’s website.

US Today