Photo Credit: Randy Holmes

Anthony Claytor is the first I Promise School student to graduate from college.

As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the school launched in Akron, OH, through the LeBron James Family Foundation, which was established in 2004 to “positively affect the lives of children and young adults through education and co-curricular educational initiatives.”

The I Promise School came into fruition in 2017 through a partnership with Akron Public Schools (APS) and a committee of local leaders, educators, parents, and experts, Andscape reported. The school officially opened in 2018.

“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,” James said at the time, according to Andscape. “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. 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.”

Now, James is celebrating the school’s first college graduate. CNN reports Anthony Claytor graduated from Kent State University in May 2024. Claytor was among the 193 students from I Promise School’s inaugural 2020 class to receive free tuition to attend the university. The class also received the news their first year of room and board would be paid for.

“If it wasn’t for the LeBron James Family Foundation, I don’t know if I would have gone to college,” Claytor said, according to CNN. “I don’t know where I would be. If I went … somewhere else, I wouldn’t have been able to live on campus and meet new people, develop relationships or join organizations. I really enjoy being able to do that at Kent State.”

James commented on X, formerly Twitter: “CONGRATULATIONS ANTHONY!!!! SO PROUD OF YOU YOUNG [prince].”