LeBron James is on a roll!
The NBA superstar announced earlier this week that he would be adding transitional housing to service families in need at his I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, CNN reports.
LeBron opened the school for third and fourth graders last year in his hometown. Since its opening, 90% of its students have met or exceeded academic goals and James has pledged a full academic scholarship to the University of Akron for those students who continue to excel through graduation. Now James is looking to take his work a step further by offering students a stable place to live while focusing on their studies.
In a statement released to the press, James said, “Initially, our work was focused on helping these kids earn an education. But we’ve found that it is impossible to help them learn if they are struggling to survive -- if they are hungry, if they have no heat in the freezing winter, if they live in fear for their safety. We want this place to be their home where they feel safe, supported, and loved, knowing we are right there with them every step of the way as they get back on their feet.”
The school is an extension of The LeBron James Family Foundation, which seeks to “positively affect the lives of children and young adults through education and co-curricular educational initiatives.” The foundation has partnered with Graduate Hotels, a company that runs boutique hotels in college towns across the U.S. The hotel company will renovate the historic Westmont apartment building in Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood and donate it to the I Promise School.
LeBron took to social media to share the announcement. “Proud of this!!!! There’s always more to be done when it comes to giving my kids an opportunity to be successful in life. Every barrier we remove can possibly change their family’s life and we’re never going to stop!!”
Proud of this!!!!! There's always more to be done when it comes to giving my kids an opportunity to be successful in life. Every barrier we remove can possibly change their family’s life and we're never going to stop!! pic.twitter.com/i90sfja4i4
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 4, 2019
Graduate Hotels founder and CEO Ben Weprin released a statement saying, “The I Promise Village by Graduate Hotels will be a monumental next step for us and LeBron and his Foundation’s commitment to the future of the students and their families. It’s humbling to see the change they are affecting on a daily basis and we’re honored to be a part of the journey.”
Renovation on the historic apartment building is set to begin immediately. The building currently has 22 units and is slated to be up and running by the beginning of next school year.
This is a definite game changer! Keep setting the bar high LeBron!