NBA Hall of Famer and noted philanthropist Earvin "Magic" Johnson has pledged to donate $10 million to a Chicago-based jobs program for at-risk youth.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Johnson and partner Kimbra Walter have earmarked the donation for "One Summer Chicago Plus" program over a two-year period. The program prides itself on helping youths steer clear of summer violence by providing as many as 5,000 summer jobs.

Johnson and his partners plan to make the donation through their Inner City Youth Empowerment LLC organization, and city officials have planned to donate an additional $6 million over the same timeframe.

The program typically targets 16- to 19-year-olds from high schools in high crime areas and last year hired and mentored 1,000 teens over the summer.

This summer, 2,000 hires are planned and the following year 3,000 are slated to be employed.

Recently, a University of Pennsylvania assistant professor found that disadvantaged youths accepted into the program committed roughly half the number of violent crimes as those who applied but weren't accepted into the program.

"We are proud to partner on an initiative that has proven to change the trajectory of at-risk kids' lives," Johnson said in a press release. "Providing disadvantaged kids with alternatives is a step in the right direction toward helping them reach their full potential and curb violence in our neighborhoods."

While decrying the federal government's recent move to provide less funding for summer teen jobs, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel praised Johnson for helping Chicago fill the gap for young people who "need it most."

"... the city of Chicago, with the support of our community and business partners, remains committed to reducing violence in our city," the mayor said. "Through this generous grant, more youth will stay safe, active and engaged this summer while getting the skills and on-the-job training necessary for a bright future."