Displaying items by tag: Wheels For Education

A two-time NBA champion and the wife of the most powerful man in the country sure do know how to make an impact. 

Thousands of students involved in LeBron James' "Wheels For Eduction" and "I Promise" programs and their families packed the James A. Rhodes arena on the University of Akron campus Wednesday afternoon to take a pledge to complete their education.

The Cavaliers star, who recently announced that he has partnered with the University of Akron to provide scholarships for students in the LeBron James Family Foundation who graduate high school, wants everyone to get involved with investing in the future of our youth.

"I want each and every one of you, not just the kids, but also the parents and the teachers and the mentors and whoever is around these kids every single day, to understand that we are family and we are going to continue to look after each other on becoming as great as we can be," he said.

LeBron even brought a special guest with him to his hometown . First Lady Michelle Obama told the kids that she and LeBron are no strangers to overcoming obstacles at a young age.

"We were kids just like you, and we didn't come from places where families had a lot of money and a lot of resources," said Obama. "We know how amazing you all are and the things that you can do with your lives because we're standing here, and if we can be here we know you can too."

Obama also illustrated the importance of higher education.

"Imagine yourself succeeding here and walking across the stage and getting your college diploma," she said. "Start envisioning that for yourself now, because you all have to get an education beyond high school. You have to."

A new social media campaign, known as "Better Make Room", was introduced by Obama to allow children to share their dreams and aspirations with others all around the world.

The event concluded with both LeBron and The First Lady reciting the "I Promise Pledge" with the crowd, asking them to accept the challenge to finish school.

The First Lady will be in Akron next week alongside LeBron James.

Northeast Ohio Media Group reports that Michelle Obama will join LeBron at a University of Akron event next Wednesday for students and parents involved in his "Wheels For Education" and "I Promise" programs.

The early word comes from a White House advisory, and more details on the Michelle Obama trip will come out in the coming days.

The First Lady has her own "Reach Higher" initiative, designed to encourage students to expand their education after high school.

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On the Web: Northeast Ohio Media Group, www.cleveland.com