LeBron James To Open STEM School For Akron Youth
LeBron James really does love the kids. It feels like every other week there’s a new story coming out where he’s finding a new way to give them support. But his latest venture may be the biggest one yet.
The Associated Press reports that James is opening a STEM-focused school to help at-risk youth in his native Akron, Ohio. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ star is working with Akron Public Schools to make the idea a reality and hopefully open to students in the 2018 school-year.
“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,” James said. “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. 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.”
The “I Promise School” will start with a focus on third and fourth graders but hopes to expand and teach first through eighth graded by 2022.
“We are excited about the potential of the I Promise School to provide specialized programming and invaluable resources for our students,” said David James, superintendent of Akron’s Public Schools. “We’ve seen the positive influence of the LeBron James Family Foundation on our students and we look forward to continuing to do everything we can to put our students in a position to be successful.”
James’ investment in Akron’s education is already well-documented, as he already offers a full 4-year scholarship to I Promise students to The University of Akron. The I Promise School opening will just offer a way for The LeBron James Family Foundation to start helping kids at an even earlier point in their lives.