In Akron, something powerful is happening inside public-school classrooms. Students are not just learning. They are training for the future, earning real, transferable credentials, and connecting with career paths early on. Behind this transformation is a unique model – College & Career Academies of Akron supported by local employers who want to see the city thrive and made possible through United Way of Summit & Medina.
What Is Bold Goal 2?
Sarah Palace, Director of College and Career Readiness, explains that Bold Goal 2 represents United Way’s commitment to raising high school graduation rates, enhancing college and career readiness, and expanding access to youth employment and extracurricular activities in Akron. The mission is clear. Prepare young people with practical skills that lead to meaningful futures.
Since the program’s inception, Akron Public Schools has seen graduation rates rise from 75 percent to 88 percent. College and career readiness has jumped from just 21 percent in 2015 to 77 percent in 2024. These numbers speak for themselves. But behind every percentage point is a story of opportunity, growth, and a student gaining confidence in their future.
The College and Career Academy Model
One of the cornerstones of this success is Akron’s adoption of the College and Career Academy model. Inspired by a system developed in Nashville and supported by Ford Next Generation Learning, this approach places every high school student in a hands-on career pathway. Whether it’s healthcare, manufacturing, marketing, finance, or culinary arts, students engage in multi-year training that leads to certifications like STNA, OSHA, ServeSafe and more.
This model is not about choosing a career at 15. It is about gaining professional skills, exploring industries, and understanding the working world before graduation.
Why Employers Are Essential
United Way acts as the matchmaker between Akron schools and the local business community. Companies that partner with the program offer more than just financial support. They bring their time, knowledge, and passion into classrooms. They lead field trips, speak at events, and provide hands-on training. These experiences help students connect what they learn in the classroom to real careers.
Employers also benefit. They meet motivated students, build early talent pipelines, and contribute to a stronger local workforce. Sarah Palace shares that even companies outside the spotlight, like those producing shoe inserts or offering professional tax training, make a major impact.
Real Results, Real Impact
The effect of these partnerships is clear. Students are graduating more prepared. They understand what it means to show up professionally. They see the value of staying in Akron and contributing to its economy.
One standout initiative involved training students as certified tax preparers through United Way Summit & Medina’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which is now being recognized as an official graduation pathway. This is just one example of how local collaboration turns abstract learning into practical skills.
More business partners are needed to expand the reach and depth of these programs. Whether your company can offer internships, mentor students, or simply speak to a class, your involvement matters.
Visit https://www.uwsummitmedina.org/ to learn how to become part of a growing community effort that is building a stronger future, one student at a time.