LeBron James' Family Foundation and the Akron Public Schools opened the doors to the "I Promise School" on Monday, which will help some of Akron’s most challenged, at-risk students with education and support, as well as educational, career and emotional support for parents.
The school, which will initially be open to 240 third and fourth graders, includes a number of cool features including a lobby filled with 114 pairs of LeBron's game-worn sneakers.
The school hopes to expand year by year, going to second and fifth grades next year until it is grades 1-8 by 2022, according to reports. On Sunday, LeBron tweeted, “The jitters before the first day of school are real right now!!! Tomorrow is going to be one of the greatest moments (if not the greatest) of my life when we open the #IPROMISE School. This skinny kid from Akron who missed 83 days of school in the 4th grade had big dreams.”
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, those who complete the program, which has been operating for years, will be given free tuition to the University of Akron starting in 2021. In all, LeBron and his foundation leaders hope that more than 1,200 children will pass through the program and into college by 2029.
