LeBron James Focusing Annual Bike-a-thon On Third Grade Education

LeBron James is gearing up for third grade.

James' annual bike ride through hometown Akron, Ohio -- formerly "King for Kids" -- will be called "Wheels for Education" this year, focused on 360 rising third-graders attending a reading and technology summer camp.

The two-week camp launches Aug. 8, with James taking a 2.6-mile ride through Akron with 20 high school students. His program targets children that share James' family background -- a single-parent home.

Ohio.com reports that The LeBron James Family Foundation selected third grade as the target age based on research showing that high academic achievement in third grade determines future success. The foundation will also monitor the students in the program through their high school years. High achievers with good attendance may be rewarded with a Skype session with the Heat star or a recorded message.

James told the Associated Press that he aims for the third graders to be reading at a fourth-grade level. From the AP:

"We're looking to continue to create awareness for these young kids," James, who founded the bike event in 2005, told The Associated Press. "Not only in this community, but in the world. Me having an influence with my voice, I'm blessed. So the No. 1 thing is creating awareness and I think this gives us an opportunity to make sure these kids not only get educated but have fun and being around people that can have a positive influence in their life."

James has publicly made childhood education a priority of his outside of professional basketball. He has made several donations to students and has started a King's Academy for kids.

He also showed up at a summer camp last week for a game of knockout with the campers and grabbed media attention when he dunked over a kid and knocked the camper down. But "its alll good broo," the camper reportedly posted on Facebook, because James apologetically gave the kid his shoes.

Comments

[Candace Townsend]

04:46 PM on 07/12/2011

That's what's up, I don't understand why people our so mad. He's still doing for our community (Akron) some of you forget that Lebron is not even from Cleveland he's from Akron. And the Clevelanders are sooo upset. For what, yall need to be upset wit yall bad kids, and worry about why they're not doing what they should be doing. Get off Lebron's back, he don't owe us anything. I don't blame him for leaving Ohio. If you've been here all of your life who wouldn't want a change of scenery?

[lebronsucks me]

10:41 PM on 07/06/2011

LeBron James Focusing On Third Grade Education? And we all thought he graduated from high school.

[Candace Townsend]

04:43 PM on 07/12/2011

He did graduate from high school. What about you? Your life must be really miserable if you created a profile named "Lebron sucks me" Sorry no one sucks you. Dream on. Or better yet why don't you go donate bike's or computer's to children. OK. Silence. I understand

[spoonbill1963]

01:43 PM on 07/06/2011

Who cares about that greed meister?

[sonjasmom]

04:56 PM on 07/06/2011

If a few kids benefit from his money or public support, I'll (at least temporarily) overlook his shortcomings in other parts of his personality.

[Candace Townsend]

04:53 PM on 07/12/2011

Obviously you do, you commented on him.

And what excactly do you call greed, Cleveland, I think people who are upset with someone about the life decisions "they" choose to make, just because it's not what you wanted, that's selfishness. What have you done for Lebron and why do you care if he's greedy or not. That's why he does for the kids and not these retarded Adults. Who make mean comments about Lebron giving out bike's and laptop and trying to help our children succeed. He doesn't have to do that. So who cares about him, I DO . GO LEBRON!!!!