LeBron James announced this week he has partnered with the University of Akron to provide four-year scholarships to the school to all the students in his "I Promise" program who qualify. Tuition at the university amounts to roughly $9,500 per year.

"It's the reason I do what I do," Yahoo! Sports reports James said in announcing the program. "These students have big dreams, and I'm happy to do everything I can to help them get there. They're going to have to earn it, but I'm excited to see what these kids can accomplish knowing that college is in their futures."

While the LeBron James' Family Foundation and the university are still finalizing the criteria for the scholarships, some of the requirements will include students having to graduate high school within Akron's public school system, achieve standard testing requirements, and fulfill a community service obligation.

A two-time NBA champion and four-time league MVP, James still refers to himself as "just a kid from Akron" and counts this as his latest chance to give back.

"It means so much because, as a kid growing up in the inner city and a lot of African-American kids, you don't really think past high school," he said. "You don't really know your future. You hear high school all the time, and you graduate high school and then you never think past that because either it's not possible or your family's not financially stable to even be able to support a kid going to college."

Over time, James and members of his foundation have met with Akron's President Dr. Scott Scarborough to hash out how the program might have the best long-term impact on the community, according to The Associated Press. The final result of that conversation was the launch of an initiative aimed at inspiring the area's youth to achieve and reach their potential.

Michele Campbell, executive director of James' Foundation, noted the NBA superstar became visibly emotional when discussing the impact the program will have on the kids and their families. As a child, James grew up in a single-parent home.

"He has a chance to change their futures," said Campbell. "Not everybody can be an NBA superstar, so to be able to provide the framework to make your dreams come true is overpowering."

The university is renaming its education department "The LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education." The first class eligible for the scholarships will graduate in 2021.