By Digital Afro Contributing Writer Issac Morgan: Issac is a distinguished graduate of Florida A&M’s School of Journalism. He is an avid writer covering diverse topics including politics, digital media, sports, & social reform.
Lebron James opening school in Akron OH, for at-risk-youth
LeBron James continues to prove that he is not just a champion on the court, but off the court as well. Helping at-risk children is something King James is passionate about and he definitely puts his money where his mouth is, steering Akron Public Schools in a positive direction to ensure the success of students in the inner-city.
In a major way, the Cavalier’s star is giving back to the community he grew up in by chartering a new school for third and fourth graders through The LeBron James Family Foundation. This population oftentimes is left behind in the school system due to lack of resources, contributing to the alarming rates of dropouts and blacks without a college degree.
Per a report on SBnation.com: “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,” said James, a four-time MVP and three-time NBA champion, via the *Associated Press*.
In addition to his new educational initiative with Akron Public Schools, the three-time NBA Finals MVP partnered with the University of Akron to grant full scholarships to students in his program who qualify. All together, James has touched the lives of more than 1,100 kids over the past six years. The I Promise School is set to open for third and fourth graders in the fall of 2018 and will expand to grades 1-8 in 2022.
“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,” he said. “If we get to them early enough, we can hopefully keep them on the right track to a bigger and brighter future for themselves and their families.”
Per SBnation.com
