AKRON, Ohio — The University of Akron has created a new scholarship to support graduates of the LeBron James Family Foundation’s I PROMISE program in Akron.
Valued at more than $13,000 per year, the new Zips Promise Scholarship will offer housing and meals for up to four years of study to five first-time, full-time students graduating from the I PROMISE program's class of 2021.
The graduating group is the inaugural class of LeBron James’ students who initially joined the I PROMISE program in third grade.
Qualifying I PROMISE students already receive free tuition and general fees from the University of Akron as part of an agreement made in 2015 with the LeBron James Family Foundation, and the new Zips Promise Scholarship adds room and board coverage, as well as food.
Students who receive the Zips Promise Scholarship will also have opportunities for mentorship and the ability to gain on-campus employment for up to 15 hours per week during the active term.
To maintain the scholarship, students must earn a 2.25 cumulative GPA by the completion of 30 earned credits, participate in programs and mentorship opportunities and remain in good disciplinary standing.
Eligible students applying for the scholarship must demonstrate their “ability to achieve in challenging environments, sharing strategies allowing for their success and explaining how the experience can be applied to their studies at UA.”
“The University of Akron is committed to educational opportunity for all students and we are excited to mark the occasion of the first I PROMISE graduating class with the Zips Promise Scholarship,” said UA President Gary L. Miller. ”We value our partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation and want to deepen our commitment to ensuring these students have all of the wrap around support needed to succeed in college.”
To learn more about the scholarship, click here.
