LeBron James will open a public school in Akron for students at risk of being left behind

LeBron James will open a public school for at-risk children in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, according to the Associated Press.

The LeBron James Family Foundation has partnered with Akron Public Schools to charter the “I Promise School,” dedicated to students who might otherwise be left behind. The school is set to open for third and fourth graders in the fall of 2018. The school will expand to grades 1-8 in 2022.

“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,” said James, a four-time MVP and three-time NBA champion, via the Associated Press.

James partnered with the University of Akron to provide full scholarships for students in his program who qualify. His foundation’s Wheels for Education and Akron I Promise Network programs have helped expose students to multiple career paths they may not have otherwise discovered.

In all, the Cavaliers star’s programs have helped more than 1,100 kids over the past six years. Those experiences have helped James prepare for his biggest challenge yet.

“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,” he said. “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.”

He also has a mold to follow.

Ex-NBA star Jalen Rose opened a school in his hometown of Detroit. The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy has produced two graduating classes since its inception in 2011, and 100 percent of those graduated have gone to either college, technical school, or the military.