GRETNA, LA – FEBRUARY 15: LeBron James, Sprite and the LeBron James Family Foundation unveiled a legacy project, including a refurbished gymnasium, at the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Louisiana-Westbank Unit on Saturday, February 15, 2014 in Gretna, Louisiana. (Photo by Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for Sprite)
There’s no doubt LeBron James has lifted Cleveland’s spirits, but it’s not just for bringing the city its first NBA championship.
It’s for leveraging his basketball prowess to influence almost 1,200 underprivileged kids in his beloved blue-collar city.
The LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) recently announced that it has plans to partner with Akron Public Schools and open its own school in the fall of 2018.
According to USA Today, The I Promise Institute will target “Students who are at-risk in reading and who are in need of additional academic intervention before falling further behind their peers.”
“This school is so important to me because our vision is to create a place for the kids in Akron who need it most – those that could fall through the cracks if we don’t do something,” James said in a statement. “We’ve learned over the years what works and what motivates them, and now we can bring all of that together in one place along with the right resources and experts.”
When I Promise Institute opens its doors, third and fourth graders, who will be selected in a lottery drawing, will pour in. The plan is to expand to grades one through eight by 2022.
Before James was drafted out of high school, he wanted to create a foundation that would give back to those who were struggling with their basic needs. And, education is widely considered a basic need.
James announced last fall that kids who are dedicated members of LJFF and meet testing, education, and community service requirements can receive full scholarships to the University of Akron.
Here’s the video the LJFF released with their announcement about the school.
What an MVP.
