As Twitchy reported, first lady Michelle Obama quietly kicked off a new educational initiative yesterday called #BetterMakeRoom, the purpose of which is “to celebrate education and give students a creative space while navigating the college-going process.” Yesterday’s launch might have flown under the radar, but Michelle Obama’s new public awareness campaign attracted a much larger crowd today, as she appeared at the University of Akron with Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James.
We're live from @uakron with @FLOTUS + @KingJames today. And.. The kids. Are. READY. #BetterMakeRoom pic.twitter.com/l2wnOFHyqq
— Better Make Room ? (@BetterMakeRoom) October 21, 2015
“We we’re here today because of you — we know you guys have big dreams.” —The First Lady with @KingJames at @UAkron. #BetterMakeRoom
— First Lady- Archived (@FLOTUS44) October 21, 2015
“Maybe you want to be President of your school or President of the United States!” —FLOTUS on students pursuing their dreams #BetterMakeRoom
— First Lady- Archived (@FLOTUS44) October 21, 2015
“Lebron might be your hero, but you should know that you all are his heroes too.” —The First Lady on @KingJames at @UAkron. #BetterMakeRoom
— First Lady- Archived (@FLOTUS44) October 21, 2015
Ironically, in her comments yesterday at the White House, the first lady made it a point to steer young people toward a practical college education and away from dreams of being the next overnight star in Hollywood, or in the NBA.
"It’s about valuing success in the classroom instead of just on the big screen or on the basketball court." —The First Lady #BetterMakeRoom
— First Lady- Archived (@FLOTUS44) October 19, 2015
James has long promoted education and has pledged to give perhaps thousands of young people full scholarships to the University of Akron through his LeBron James Family Foundation. However, James never attended college himself, choosing to join the NBA directly after graduating high school.
Recommended
"All of this is for you. All these important people are here because of how…you've kept your promise," @FLOTUS to @LJFamFoundation kids.
— Sara Shookman – WKYC (@SaraShookman) October 21, 2015
"This man has promised to pay for every single one of you to go to college @uakron. Wow," @FLOTUS. "He knows you're worth it."
— Sara Shookman – WKYC (@SaraShookman) October 21, 2015
Lebron offering to pay for college for all of the kids in his foundation #BetterMakeRoom pic.twitter.com/54uPBMAkWy
— brandon / jinx / big jinx (@Jersey_Jinx) October 21, 2015
Speaking of, how is the president’s plan to grant responsible, hard-working students two years of free community college coming along? It’s been a while.
"You've got college paid for…are you going to do the work to get there?" @FLOTUS.
— Sara Shookman – WKYC (@SaraShookman) October 21, 2015
While they’re making room, the people behind the Better Make Room website might want to consider a replacement for Ahmed “Clock Kid” Mohamad, who has decided to leave the United States and take his talents to Qatar, where he’s been granted a scholarship to the country’s Young Innovators Program.
How did the students on campus react to this one-of-a-kind visit?
Michelle Obama & Lebron have 50% of the parking lots closed.. Way to go.
— Ashley Large (@alarge88) October 21, 2015
Lebron and Michelle Obama are coming to UA Wednesday I'm gonna ask them why our school is too poor to put on the heat
— Ashley Codrington (@Ashleyy23_) October 19, 2015
https://twitter.com/krishthak/status/656853015274614786
The one day Michelle Obama &Lebron James are casually on campus just so happens to be the day I have two papers due &a midterm #ThanksObama
— leesh? (@absolutelyleesh) October 21, 2015
Join the conversation as a VIP Member