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�鶹ӰԺ and Akron Public Schools (APS) have renewed a partnership that allows �鶹ӰԺ State to continue to offer instructional support and real-world learning opportunities for high school students in Akron.

Under the new agreement, �鶹ӰԺ State will continue its named academy partner agreement with the district's Firestone Community Learning Center (CLC), which is home to three College & Career Academies at Firestone CLC.  �鶹ӰԺ State also will become the sister university to both Firestone and Buchtel CLC and a pathway partner at Buchtel and North. As a sister university, �鶹ӰԺ State faculty and staff will work closely with the schools and teachers to develop classroom lessons that have integrated, career-themed content, design and present problem-based learning opportunities, and help make connections to college and career readiness experiences.

The partnership expands upon the original partnership that began in 2018.

“We are incredibly excited to expand our partnership with Akron Public Schools,” said Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., �鶹ӰԺ State’s senior vice president and provost. “As an institution long committed to access, this partnership aligns with our mission and university priorities. Our academic partners have been [invested] and continue to invest in the future of Akron students. This past year, well over 3,000 hours were provided by faculty and staff to APS students. We look forward to building on this partnership and expanding into Buchtel CLC along with our continued work in Firestone and North CLC.”

�鶹ӰԺ State also will provide student and parent workshops and assistance on the college admission process and FAFSA completion.

"We stand today at the threshold of an exciting and transformative journey for our students and community. The existing partnership between Firestone CLC and �鶹ӰԺ has already proven to be a beacon of success, illuminating the path to academic achievement and career readiness for countless young minds. The impact has been profound, shaping the futures of our students in immeasurable ways,” said Dr. C. Michael Robinson, superintendent of Akron Public Schools. "I am humbled by the extraordinary generosity displayed by �鶹ӰԺ in renewing and expanding this partnership. 

"By becoming a sister university to both Firestone and Buchtel community learning centers, and a pathway partner at Buchtel and North High School, �鶹ӰԺ State is exemplifying its unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation. I am confident that with this expanded commitment, we will continue to cultivate a generation of learners who are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the skills and determination to shape a brighter future for themselves and our community," said Robinson.

The collaboration between Akron Public Schools and �鶹ӰԺ State was formed with the help of United Way of Summit & Medina. United Way serves as a link between the College and Career Academies of Akron and local businesses, to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students and to strengthen the education-to-employment pipeline in Summit County.

“The renewal and expansion of its partnership with APS shows �鶹ӰԺ’s commitment to educating and empowering the younger generation,” said Jim Mullen, president and CEO of United Way of Summit & Medina. “When youth have access to more opportunities to learn and grow, everyone benefits – the students themselves, our local businesses, and everyone who has a stake in the long-term health and success of our community. United Way of Summit & Medina will continue to invest in expanding youth success, working hand-in-hand with partners like �鶹ӰԺ State, so that today’s students will have what they need to be tomorrow’s leaders.”

APS was designated a Ford Next Generation Learning Community in May 2017. Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, is supporting the transformation of public high schools into career-themed academies to better prepare students for college and professional success in today's competitive global economy.

In addition to the expanded partnership with �鶹ӰԺ, the College and Career Academies of Akron are supported by the following key strategic partners: GAR Foundation, United Way of Summit & Medina, ConxusNEO, Summit Education Initiative, and Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce.