Students at East CLC to benefit from experiential learning focused on business and finance
Akron Public Schools (APS) announced today its partnership between East Community Learning Center (CLC) and KeyBank. The partnership is part of the growing community of businesses engaging in the new College & Career Academies of Akron for APS high schools. KeyBank will offer instructional support and real-world learning opportunities in areas of business and finance. The academy will be named the KeyBank Academy of Business and Health Services.
APS Superintendent David James said, “KeyBank is playing an integral part in our students’ future with what is a significant contribution to experiential learning. We are grateful for our growing team of community partners who, like KeyBank, are connecting to our classrooms in a most meaningful way.”
“At KeyBank, we have made it our mission to create thriving communities and we believe that quality education and strong workforce development programs are core to that mission,” said Tim Burke, KeyBank Market President. “Through the creation of the KeyBank Academy of Business and Health Services, we are working to provide future generations with the necessary skill set for a viable career pathway.”
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. Districts in the Ford NGL network have been shown to increase student achievement and engagement both at the high school and post-secondary levels and develop more robust ties between local educators and employers, generating a stronger talent-development pipeline for high-demand jobs and overall community prosperity.
College and Career Academies of Akron are supported by the following key strategic partners: GAR Foundation, United Way of Summit County, ConxusNEO, Summit Education Initiative, and Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce.
The collaboration between Akron Public Schools and KeyBank was formed with the help of United Way of Summit County. 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.
“KeyBank has been a vital partner in our work to achieve our Bold Goal of raising high school graduation rates and college and career readiness among APS students,” said Jim Mullen, president and CEO of United Way of Summit County. “They are leading by example, showing that, by investing in our youth, businesses can help build a better local economy and a more talented workforce.”