When most people hear the name LeBron James, they think of basketball. When Akron hears the name, they think of education. James, recently featured in the educational documentary, Unlikely, has doubled down yet again in his support of local students.

Yesterday, the news broke that James was expanding his program that helps at-risk students in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. According to an article on CNN, James is now planning on renovating the historic Westmont Apartment building in conjunction with Graduate Hotels to build safe, affordable housing for students within his I Promise school. 

On the choice, James stated, “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.”

The I Promise school currently helps 3rd and 4th graders, and is expanding through to 8th grade in the next three years. Part of the program includes free tuition to the local University of Akron when the students graduate. 

The apartments will be open by the time the next school year starts.

Read the full article here.