BECOME
Area businesses and organizations make it possible for more of today's minority scholars to become teachers with Akron Public Schools tomorrow.

This goal is achieved through the cooperative efforts of local businesses, organizations, Akron Public Schools and the BECOME program:

• For Students
• For Business
• Sponsors and Contact Information

For Students (Back to Top)
If you're considering a career as an educator, you should know about an opportunity offered by Akron Public Schools, in conjunction with area businesses, organizations and universities. This innovative program, called BECOME (Business Education Collaboration on Minorities in Education), gives you an opportunity to receive money for college and a chance to work as a teacher in Akron Public Schools after graduation.

The BECOME program was designed to increase the ethnic and cultural diversity of teachers within the district's schools. Currently, the district's enrollment includes about 48.5 percent minority students, while only about 14 percent of the teaching staff is from minority groups.

The district has set a goal of improving that balance and will help you take your place in one of these classrooms – serving as a role model for children, while advancing your career.

BECOME offers you:

• financial aid for college, including up to $1,500 in school scholarship money from area businesses, organizations and universities each year.
• a secure future with job opportunities. Akron Public Schools has made a commitment to hire qualified minority candidates.
• a chance to work closely with children from different ethnic backgrounds who want and need good role models.
• an opportunity to work with a mentor from an area business or university while you attend classes. Your mentor will meet with you regularly throughout your undergraduate career and help you stay on track.
• summer employment available with your sponsoring organization while you go to school.

College and non-traditional students: If you have a 3.0 grade-point average or higher and are a full-time student carrying at least 12 hours, contact Deborah Barber at Kent State University (330/672-0550) or Dr. Jack Wilbanks at The University of Akron (330/972-7696) for more information – or call Judi Hill at Akron Public Schools (330/761-2809).

High school seniors: If you have a 3.0 grade-point average or higher, contact your high school guidance counselor today.

Applications should be submitted to:

• Director
  Community Partnerships and Customer Service
  Akron Public Schools
  70 North Broadway
  Akron OH 44308
  330/761-2809

If selected, you will be invited to an orientation and interview session.

For Business (Back to Top)
Our Goal: Encourage more minorities to become teachers in Akron Public Schools.

A shortage of teachers, especially minority teachers, is predicted for the next decade. Even now, only about 14 percent of our school district's teaching staff is from minority groups while approximately 48.5 percent of the students are minorities.

Why is it important to have minority teachers?

• It is essential for all children, especially minority children, to have role models; and minority teachers are in an excellent position to fill that need.
• It is also beneficial for all students to have the experience of a culturally diversified education.

Your Role: Provide financial aid to enable local minority scholars to pursue a degree in education.

You can help by joining the other Akron businesses and organizations that are enrolling as BECOME partners and sponsoring local minority scholars. At graduation, each student is prepared to take a teaching position with Akron Public Schools. Your primary commitment is to provide college financial aid of $1,000 per year for four years for a full sponsorship. Individual donations and/or joint sponsorships are also encouraged.

In addition to financial assistance, it is beneficial if you would provide these future teachers with summer employment at your company and offer mentorship during the scholar's undergraduate career.

To qualify for aid, the scholar must meet and continue to maintain all program requirements.

Sponsors and Contact Information (Back to Top)
Some of the business and organizations already supporting BECOME are:

• Alpha Phi Alpha
• Arlington Church of God
• Delta Sigma Theta
• FirstEnergy
• FirstMerit Bank
• The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
• Kappa Alpha Psi
• Kent State University
• Maynard Family Foundation
• OMNOVA Solutions
• Summit Education Initiative
• SummaCare Health Plan
• Summa Health Systems
• The University of Akron
• Tire Town Golf Club

If you are interested in being a BECOME partner, contact:

• Director
  Community Partnerships and Customer Service
  Akron Public Schools
  70 North Broadway
  Akron OH 44308
  330/761-2809

↓ Click on "Other APS Links" below for the complete links list.