(North Canton, OH – September 28, 2022) Stark State College and the LeBron James Family Foundation are excited to announce a new and innovative partnership in support of undergraduate education that uniquely extends to both students and their parents or guardians. As part of the opportunity, students in the Foundation’s Akron I PROMISE Network plus two parents or guardians residing in the students’ homes will receive two academic years of free tuition, resources and focused attention at Stark State.

Eligible students will receive last-dollar tuition scholarships for any program, certificate or associate degree, bridging the gap between financial aid from grants and scholarships and the cost of tuition.

“We are pleased to partner with the LeBron James Family Foundation to provide educational access and opportunities to I PROMISE Network students and their families,” said Para M. Jones, PhD, Stark State College president. “Stark State is committed to supporting students and their families with free tuition, as well as resources to help them succeed in earning a degree or certificate that leads to an in-demand career and/or a bachelor’s degree.”

The opportunity also offers students preparation for campus via visits, introductory experiences in college preparation, opportunities to explore career pathways and parent/guardian information sessions.

“For the LeBron James Family Foundation, it’s always been about serving not just our students, but the entire family. Being able to extend this scholarship opportunity to our parents and guardians is an absolute game changer,” said Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. “We are so grateful to Stark State College for embracing our We Are Family model and opening doors for all of our family members so that higher education is not only a possibility, but a reality for them. This is going to change the futures for so many of our families and we’re excited for them to start exploring all of the opportunities in front of them.”

Once enrolled at Stark State, students will be supported with advising, tutoring and other services.

Additionally, the Stark State College Foundation has established a fund in support of I PROMISE scholarships and welcomes public support.

For more information, go to www.starkstate.edu/IPROMISE or call Robyn Steinmetz at 330-494-6170 ext. 4599 or email rsteinmetz@starkstate.edu.