AKRON, Ohio — The Greater Akron Chamber is proud to build on its long-standing partnership with Akron Public Schools by becoming the named partner of the Academy of Innovation and Industry at Garfield Community Learning Center (CLC).
As the named academy partner, the Greater Akron Chamber Academy of Innovation and Industry will provide instructional support and real-world learning opportunities across four pathways: Advanced Manufacturing, Construction Technology, Culinary Arts, and Patient Care. Through this partnership, students will gain direct exposure to career connected learning experiences that align education with the needs of employers in the region.
“We’re excited about this partnership and the opportunities it creates for both students and the business community across Greater Akron,” said Steve Millard, President and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber. “This collaboration is about building meaningful connections between our small and mid-sized businesses and the students who represent the future of our region. By bringing businesses closer to students, we can help young people better understand the real career opportunities that exist here—and why this is a place where they can build long-term futures.”
“As a business owner in the construction field, I see every day how critical it is to introduce students early to the wide range of career opportunities available and the skills required to succeed,” said Julie Brandle, Chair, GAC Board of Directors and President, Metis Construction Services, LLC. “This is an exciting opportunity for business owners and leaders to have an active role in shaping the workforce pipeline that they rely on. On behalf of the Board, I look forward to seeing the impact this partnership will have on our students, employers, and the long-term economic vitality of the Greater Akron region.”
“We are incredibly excited to see the Greater Akron Chamber deepen its commitment to our College & Career Academies,” said APS Superintendent Mary Outley. “APS and the Chamber have a strong, long-standing partnership that is essential to student success. Becoming a named academy partner means our students will gain meaningful access to local businesses, industry leaders, and hands-on experiences that connect learning to real careers. We also extend a special thank you to Acme Fresh Market for serving in this role for the past four years and for their continued commitment to investing in our students.”
A longtime partner APS, the Chamber and Conxus NEO, Summit County’s key workforce intermediary, have been involved since the earliest planning stages of the College & Career Academies model by helping design the framework, align career pathways to the workforce needs of our employers, and connect business leaders to talent. Through internships, mentoring, and hands-on learning experiences, students gain exposure to real employers and real career pathways in their own community.
Now, as a named academy partner, the GAC is deepening that commitment to bring together the leadership, business network, and workforce expertise to support the success of Garfield scholars and strengthen the talent pipeline for the region.
The GAC’s relationship with Akron Public Schools was formed with the help of the 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.
“Helping students thrive is all about keeping them connected, inside and outside of the classroom. Assuring students have access to hands-on learning, community resources and connections, youth support systems, and family engagement opportunities provides the stability and support they need to succeed academically. Growing and strengthening the relationship between these two key institutions is a great win for the students, and for our community,” said Annie McFadden, President and CEO of United Way of Summit & Medina.
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 business partner engagement with more than 200 companies, College and Career Academies of Akron are supported by the following key strategic partners: Akron Community Foundation, ConxusNEO, Greater Akron Chamber, GAR Foundation, Summit Education Initiative, and United Way of Summit & Medina.
