Kent State University and the LeBron James Family Foundation surprised 193 students with free tuition for four years to Kent State, along with free room and board for one year.
The students are part of the inaugural class of James’ program and will become eligible for the free benefits in 2021.
“The I PROMISE program is built on the ‘earned, not given’ philosophy,” said the Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation Michele Campbell. “We are so excited that our students that have worked incredibly hard have earned even more life-changing opportunities to grow and excel.”
The students must remain in good academic standing and partake in community service in order to qualify for free tuition each year.
The Lakers basketball player started the I PROMISE School in 2018 as a partnership with Akron Public School District.
“This was earned,” added Interim SVP and Provost Melody Tankersley. “The efforts of the I PROMISE students are to be celebrated.”
The I PROMISE program has supported access to resources and mentored more than 1,400 Akron, Ohio students starting in the third grade.
