Kent State offers 4 years of free tuition to 1st graduating class from LeBron James' I Promise Network
In 2018, LeBron James and the Akron public school system opened the I Promise school, focused on educating at-risk students in James’ hometown.
The school launch was part of an existing I Promise Network that the LeBron James Family Foundation initiated in 2011 to provide support for at-risk students across the Akron school district.
On Wednesday, the first graduating class associated with the I Promise Network got exciting news. They’re eligible for four years of free tuition at Kent State University.
Students surprised by announcement
The school announced the offer at a ceremony with members of the I Promise class and their families.
How the program works
The tuition guarantee is being offered to the 193 students of the I Promise Network in the junior class of Akron’s school system. They’ll be eligible to enroll for the 2021-22 academic year.
According to the school, students must be admitted to Kent State and apply for standard financial aid packages. The school would then cover the cost of tuition beyond financial aid awards.
Students are required to meet a minimum number of hours of community service each semester.
First-year housing and meal plans will also be covered. Students will maintain their free tuition for four years as long as they remain in good academic standing and meet community service and credit-hour requirements.
The school also announced a fundraising effort to cover books and room and board beyond the first year for students in need.
“We are so pleased to take our partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation to this next level and welcome these students fully into the Kent State family,” KSU president Todd Diacon said. “Kent State looks forward to the time when our campus is teeming with I Promise students.”
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