Alex Knight, 18, is a first-generation college student who thought it was an impossible dream to attend college, until Kent State University made the commitment to provide four years of tuition and one year of room and meals for I Promise scholars. It made the dream possible, but he still had to see it to believe it.
The Lebron James Family Foundation’s I Promise program supports more than 1,500 Akron students in grades three through 10 through mentoring, college and career preparation and wrap-around family support. Kent State has hosted intensive summer programs in partnership with I Promise and Akron schools to show the I Promise students that it is possible for them to overcome obstacles to attend college and to help them reach their goals.
Knight, who is a communications major, said the transition to college coursework has been challenging, but Kent State’s faculty, and university programs, such as CommUNITY Lab, have been there when he needed assistance.
CommUNITY Lab is a new four-year cohort program housed in Community Engaged Learning at Kent State. It offers I Promise scholars a network of care and resources at Kent State while removing financial, academic and personal barriers to success. In addition to the resources that are available at Kent State, Knight has found that the faculty and staff have offered their support and assistance.
“Kent State and the professors really care about students,” Knight said. “I’ve talked to my professors and they’ve really been helpful.”
It has been particularly motivating for Knight to see his friends, who also attend Kent State, doing well in their classes. His parents, who both started college many years ago, have inspired him to continue until he earns his degree. His mom is preparing to take college classes once again.
“I’ve learned that I can’t let what is stopping me mentally from doing what I need to do,” he said. “This is a real big deal for me. I want to make my family proud.”