LeBron James Will Pay For 1,100 Kids To Go To College

[Recursion]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lebron-james-scholarships-i-promise_55cde2f6e4b07addcb429cc3

The deep ties LeBron James shares with his hometown of Akron, Ohio, aren't news to anyone. It's as much a part of the LeBron brand as the player's moves on the court.

Well, King James is taking the love one step further, announcing that he will fund over 1,000 kids' educations with a scholarship to the University of Akron, ESPN reported.

Through a partnership between the school and his LeBron James Family Foundation, the 1,100 children currently in his "I Promise" program will receive a fully sponsored scholarship.

"I think it's probably one of the best things I've ever been a part of," James said.

Nice

[Suich]

1. Outstanding!

I wish I had the money to do this!!!

[Live and Learn]

2. I appreciate his effort but it shouldn't be needed. Education should be free for anyone that

wants it and they shouldn't have to make any promises to get it.

[Recursion]

3. OTOH countries that make it free do a lot to limit who can go

That's a tough call for me. We could have a system like Germany, where college is free but half as much of the population goes to college as here. Though they also have a strong trade school/apprenticeship program. If we did that, I wouldn't have a problem with it...

[Live and Learn]

6. Let's just call it education in general and say it should be free and accessible to all that want it

Trades should definitely be included. And I hate limits of any kind. Let people attempt to educate themselves no matter how long it takes.

We should also start taking seriously the advantages that computers and media based education can offer people. A good teacher can now reach anyone that wants to hear she/he.

[jwirr]

14. They have a two tier higher education system that begins in high school.

They are tested to determine ability and aptitude in 10th grade and then directed toward either college or trade school education. All students are included in this method.

Here in the USA we have a one tier system that directs all children toward college. In recent times this has been becoming more like the European system since we now include the idea of trade school as a part of college and because we no let students begin college while still in high school. Often students attend off campus classes with credit for both high school and college.

When I and my younger siblings were in high school this was not the case. It was all about going to college in the traditional sense of the word. Trade schools were not seen as college in anyway. And taking college classes in high school did not exist.

We are getting better.

[raccoon]

4. Not familiar with this man, but I guess he has lots of money.

Great thing for him to do.

[alphafemale]

5. Watch just five minutes of one Cleveland Cavaliers game.

You will be able to pick him out I bet.

[LuvNewcastle]

7. I wish more 1 percenters did this.

Thanks, LeBron.

[BeyondGeography]

8. One of the good guys

[ms liberty]

9. LeBron James, Class Act. n/t

[rurallib]

13. Despite some bad publicity he got for going to Miami

I have always felt that James is one of the rare truly good guys.

And his part in Train Wreck was hilarious.

[6chars]

10. details

Thursday was a big day for the LeBron James Family Foundation. He announced that he and the University of Akron will sponsor full scholarships for the 1,100 children currently in his I Promise program in Akron, Ohio.

James' has been sponsoring this program for five years and the children range from the third to the seventh grades. If they complete the program and meet attendance and grade requirements, their tuition will be covered by James' foundation and the university starting in 2021, when the current seventh graders in the program graduate high school. A year's tuition at the University of Akron is currently about $9,500.

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by my cypherin', $9500/yr x 4 yrs x 1100 students is about $40 million. Even for a rich sports star, that is a serious commitment.

Way to go, LeBron!

ps., gotta think this will help the university and city a little too.

[AngryAmish]

11. The Foundation is do8ng it, not all out of his pocket

I am sure he will fundraise as well.

I am part of an organization that funds full scholarships to almost 1,000 kids at any one time, including some of the best in the country. I welcome Mr. James to this worthwhile part of the charity world.

[we can do it]

17. The foundation IS his money. He came from the projects here in Akron.

[jwirr]

15. What a great method of mentoring students. We need that model all

over the country.

[Logical]

12. I hope they are all minorties! Nt

[WinkyDink]

16. Great and kudos to LJ. However, I'd prefer a system that had no need for noblesse oblige.

[MineralMan]

18. Excellent! Bravo!

[tavernier]

19. And easy on the eyes.

My choice for the first tall dark and handsome AA James Bond.