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A Message from our Executive Director


Dear friends of Project GRAD Akron,


Thanks to your unwavering support, we continue to uplift and empower our students, giving them opportunities to shine. Collaborating with a variety of entities, Project GRAD Akron has been able to offer many services for students to engage in a variety of summer experiences. We are truly appreciative of the support we received from our donors. We are also very proud of our incredible staff and volunteers who support our programs and activities!.


In this update, we celebrate the achievements of our remarkable students. We are so pleased with the incredible partnerships and experiences that the students were exposed to during this summer. We are also very pleased to announce the Homecoming Court for our 18th annual Achieving Dreams event on September 7, 2024. Twenty-seven individuals are raising funds to support Project GRAD Akron's scholarship fund and are competing to be crowned the 2024 Homecoming Queen and King and members of the Court's Royalty. Please visit our website to learn more about the members and how you can support their campaigns to raise money for Project GRAD Akron's Scholarship Fund!


We are wishing you a joyful and inspiring summer!


Gratefully,

Jacqueline "Jackie" Silas-Butler, Esq.

Executive Director

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In the News

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Summer 2024 Highlights

Writing for Your Future


For the third consecutive year, Project GRAD Akron collaborated with Kent State University to host the "Writing For Your Future" program on Kent State's campus. A total of thirty-eight rising seniors attended the 3-day, 2-night workshops.


During the program, students completed an essay for the college Common Application, experienced campus life, and learned about college expectations. The students had an incredible time and are preparing for their senior year of high school!

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Entrepreneurship Adventures


On June 3, 2024, the "Entrepreneurship Adventures" program began!


Fifty-five students participated, primarily at Buchtel and East, in collaboration with Northside Marketplace, and several other organizations and local entrepreneurs.


We facilitated this summer experience to teach entrepreneurship, financial literacy, social and emotional skill building, mental health and wellness, and professionalism.


Students met local entrepreneurs, developed product ideas, and created items like T-shirts, hoodies, hair oil, and bracelets. They pitched their products and presented business plans to a panel of judges. The program concluded with a celebration on June 21 at the Bounce Innovation Hub, where families and community friends honored the students' creativity.


Support for students will continue through the summer and school year, allowing them to produce and sell their products at Pop-Up events at Northside Marketplace.


Photos by: City of Akron, Mayor's Office

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Bridge to Kindergarten: Summer Academy


The "Bridge to Kindergarten" Summer Academy will take place from July 22 to August 9, 2024. A special thank you is extended to the Akron Community Foundation for their major funding of this program.


This year, the program will be offered at Schumacher CLC of the Akron Public Schools. More than thirty (30) students are already enrolled in the program.


Thank you for your continued support!

Bridge 2 College: Pathway to College Success


Bridge 2 College (B2C) is a six-week summer program for Buchtel and East CLC graduates, offering essential resources for a smooth transition to college. Our workshops cover financial aid, dorm checklists, college life navigation, advising, scheduling, time management, study skills, communication, and professionalism.


Graduates who complete B2C will be invited to join GRADs Persist, our ongoing support program for college-age scholars. B2C ensures you are fully prepared and confident for your college journey.


For more information on these programs and to stay updated on our events, please visit our website or contact us at info@projectgradakron.org.


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Announcing your 2024 Achieving Dreams

Homecoming Court

View your 2024 Homecoming Court!
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www.projectgradakron.org