LeBron James’ I PROMISE Program Partners with Kent State to Provide Free Education

Josh Martin, Feb 17, 2020
Posted in Features

The students at LeBron James’ I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio have a long way to go before they even have to think college. But those who are members of the inaugural class of the I PROMISE program for middle and high school kids—which is separate from the school that the Los Angeles Lakers star helped to found in 2018—now have another option for tuition-free higher education: Kent State University.

Through the program, Kent State will cover the cost of tuition for I PROMISE students for four years that remains after they apply for traditional financial aid, along with room and board for the first year. Prior to NBA All-Star Weekend, the LeBron James Family Foundation announced the partnership by surprising the 193 eligible students with the news while they were visiting the Kent State campus.

When you show up to @KentState for your 11th grade experience outing, but find out you’re also getting FREE tuition for 4 years AND a year of free room & board‼️ 😱😭 pic.twitter.com/udCrl95qFi
— LeBron James Family Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) February 12, 2020

Previously, the I PROMISE program had secured financial aid for its students to the University of Akron. Now, those who are on track to start college during the fall of 2021 will have a choice between two universities in the Buckeye State.

"We have so many options, and I just know that so many kids in my community just don't have many options," LeBron said after the Lakers’ overtime win against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. "So for me to be able to be in a position where I can give these kids options to decide what they want to do with their future, it's probably the best thing I've ever done."

I PROMISE students seeking support to attend Kent State must be admitted to the school, fill out the required financial aid forms and complete an undisclosed number of community service hours each semester. To maintain eligibility, participants must remain in good academic standing and complete a minimum number of credit hours and volunteer hours each year.

Josh Martin is the Editorial Director of CloseUp360. He previously covered the NBA for Bleacher Report and USA Today Sports Media Group, and has written for Yahoo! Sports and Complex. He is also the co-host of the Hollywood Hoops podcast. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.