Twitter was lit up with praise for LeBron James earlier this week as he opened his first school. The I Promise School opened Monday with around 240 students. LeBron James, already well known for his philanthropy, has followed through on his promise to help the youth of Akron.
As more details have emerged, we have learned several key facts about LeBron’s new school:
1. The school is designed to serve at-risk students.
The school only selected at-risk students from the surrounding area who lagged behind their peers in traditional schools.
2. It is not a charter or voucher school.
The early scuttlebutt about LeBron James’s school pointed to a some-type of charter format like other celebrity schools. However, as details emerged, it was revealed that the school is a public school…albeit a non-traditional one with additional funding, and charter school traits.
3. I Promise School students will receive help outside of the classroom too.
Students who attend the school receive free bikes and meals. Additionally, parents of I Promise students have the option of taking GED classes and have access to job placement assistance. The school also houses a food pantry.
4. Future alumni of the school get free college tuition.
One of the biggest benefits of the school to students and families is the fact that anyone who successfully completes the program and goes on to graduate from high school receives full tuition at the University of Akron.
5. LeBron is financially backing the school.
With I Promise School being a public school much of the bill will be covered by Akron’s public school district, but the LeBron James Family Foundation has already contributed around $2 million for building and staffing.
LeBron James clearly has accomplished everything there is in the basketball world. As his career winds down, he looks to be turning his eye to the rest of the world, which in this case was really good news for the youth of Akron, OH.