ICYMI: LeBron James Charity Giving $41 Mil. to Help Kids Go to College

Nick Kangadis | September 2, 2016
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In case you missed it, Cleveland Cavaliers megastar LeBron James is giving back to his community... in a BIG way.

James, along with the University of Akron, have begun a partnership in which James will provide a guaranteed four year scholarship to qualifying students as part of his “I Promise” program. James hopes to provide scholarships to 1,100 students.

According to Fox Sports, “the scholarship will cover tuition and the university's general service fee — currently $9,500 per year.”

The price tag for James’ mission to help students get a college education? A whopping $41 million!

The “I Promise” program is a part of the Lebron James Family Foundation.

Business Insider reported the details of the program:

The LJFF targets children in 3rd grade, because research has shown students that age become most at risk for dropping out of school later in life. The third graders are given mentorship throughout the rest of their schooling; so far more than 1,100 students have been mentored by the program since it was created six years ago.

When the third graders reach their senior year, if they've maintained a 3.0 GPA, they'll be offered 4-years of college tuition to the University of Akron, paid for by LJFF. There is no timetable on this pledge, and with more than 1,000 students currently on track to receive the scholarship, James' foundation could be spending more than $41 million to help the students receive college degrees. The LJFF also helps parents who never received high school diplomas get their GEDs.

Not only is James trying to make the future better by aiding in the education of future college hopefuls, but he is also trying to help educate the student’s parents so that they can provide for a better future for their own children.

For all the flak the “King James” received for his decision to “take his talents to South Beach,” he is making up for lost time by giving back to his hometown in a huge way. 

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