Our scholars actively engaged this week with young people from across the city, ages 15-26. Called the Youth Facilitated Dialogue, this was hosted by the United States Department of Justice at the Akron Urban League. They produced and worked on three significant issues they feel affect our city most right now:
- Police department accountability
- Mental health issues
- Schools and mental health
Scholars created solution plans for the issues that include clear goals, implementation steps, partners, budget and timelines for implementation. They presented their plans to city officials Marco Sommerville, deputy mayor for intergovernmental affairs; Frank Williams, deputy mayor for labor relations; and Eufrancia Lash, deputy director of public service; and Pastor Deante Lavender of Remedy Church.
Scholars received a $25 Visa gift card for their participation. As well, seven APS scholars were selected to participate on the youth council that will advise city officials on the plans created at the Youth Facilitated Dialogue. The scholars will serve at the top tier of the Akron Public Schools student voice framework.
A special thank you to La' Cresia Beecher, De' Anna Caldwell Edwards and Wilma Cowan Alexander. De'Anna helped with the recruitment of students. She and Wilma attended the event and facilitated groups.
| Student Name |
|
School |
|
Grade |
| Brandi Austin (Council) |
|
Buchtel |
|
12 |
| Trinity Davis |
|
Buchtel |
|
12 |
| La'Shae Ellis (Council) |
|
Buchtel |
|
11 |
| Ja'Niya Hambrick |
|
Buchtel |
|
11 |
| Alise Huron Covington (Council) |
|
Buchtel |
|
10 |
| Elliott Jackson (Council) |
|
Garfield |
|
11 |
| Raynia Moore (Council) |
|
Buchtel |
|
11 |
| LaMyria Trammell (Council) |
|
Buchtel |
|
10 |
| Jourdan Turner |
|
Buchtel |
|
10 |
| Ameenna Vincent (Council) |
|
Buchtel |
|
11 |
| Evan Swoope |
|
STEM |
|
12 |
