Akron Public Schools Showcases Student Success Through Expanded Opportunity Grant

AKRON, OH - August 27, 2025 - Akron Public Schools (APS) is celebrating the remarkable impact of the Expanded Opportunity for Each Child Grant, which has opened doors to new experiences, strengthened community partnerships, and provided hands-on learning for hundreds of students.

The grant, administered by the APS Office of School Improvement, funds innovative programs that help students thrive in and out of the classroom, including environmental projects, civic engagement, career pathway development, and summer enrichment.

Opportunities funded last year included:

• Reclaiming Space: All APS 7th graders partnered with community organizations such as the John Brown Museum, Summit County Land Bank, Akron Art Museum, Akron Art Sparks, Summit County Historical Society, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park to reclaim and reimagine spaces across the city.

 

• Mikva Challenge Project Soapbox: All APS 8th graders engaged in a national civic action curriculum. Community leaders, including elected officials and nonprofit partners, served as moderators and judges.

 

• Garfield CLC Greenhouse Dome: Students in the Construction, Culinary, and Energy & Environmental pathways collaborated to build and run a greenhouse that will supply the culinary program’s restaurant.

 

• AVID Expansion at I Promise: Expanded college and career readiness strategies to help more students reach their goals.

 

• Adventure Camps: Summer experiences in Aviation, Animal Adventure, Soccer Stars, and Camp Move for elementary students.

 

“These programs are more than just projects; they’re powerful learning experiences that connect students to their community, build essential skills, and open pathways to future success,” said Keith Liechty-Clifford, Director of School Improvement.

This school year, APS will feature more stories about current grant-funded programs, showing how these opportunities enrich students’ lives, spark new interests, and demonstrate Akron’s commitment to providing experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom.