Akron Public Schools (APS) announced yesterday a three-year renewal of the partnership agreement between Akron Children’s Hospital and North High School. Through the partnership, Akron Children’s Hospital will continue to offer instructional support and real-world learning opportunities for students in the Akron Children’s Hospital Academy of Health and Human Services.
Akron Public Schools Superintendent Christine Fowler Mack is aware of the special nature of this partnership, saying, “With this wonderful collaboration, Akron Children’s Hospital has created unique and creative experiential learning opportunities for our students.” She added, “The best part is the hospital continues to deepen the relationship with us and our students with innovative ideas. What they have brought and will continue to bring is a gift for our students and their families.”
"We're excited to renew and expand this successful partnership with Akron Public Schools," said Chris Gessner, president and CEO of Akron Children's Hospital. "Since our involvement with the APS academies began in 2016, graduation rates at North High School have increased 26 percent, proving that hands-on experiences, job shadowing and internships make a motivational difference for students. We're proud to play a part in that achievement and hope to continue to see exponential academic progress during the next three years. It is wonderful to be able to expand our involvement and work with even more students at Ellet and Jennings. It truly is a win-win situation for both APS and Akron Children's as we work together to train and retain the future health care workforce in Akron and beyond."
The collaboration between Akron Public Schools and Akron Children’s Hospital was formed with the help of United Way of Summit & Medina. United Way serves as a link between the College and Career Academies of Akron and local businesses to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students and to strengthen the education-to-employment pipeline in Summit County.
“We are grateful to Akron Children’s Hospital for demonstrating its commitment to our community’s future by renewing their partnership with the College & Career Academies of Akron,” said Jim Mullen, president and CEO of United Way of Summit & Medina. “Expanding health equity is a key part of United Way’s mission, and achieving it will require a new generation of skilled health professionals. By giving students hands-on learning experiences and real-world skills, Akron Children’s Hospital is helping to ensure that our community will have the talent pool to ensure every resident can achieve a healthy life.”
APS was designated a Ford Next Generation Learning Community in May 2017. Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, is supporting the transformation of public high schools into career-themed academies to better prepare students for college and professional success in today's competitive global economy. College and Career Academies of Akron are supported by the following key strategic partners: GAR Foundation, United Way of Summit & Medina, ConxusNEO, Summit Education Initiative, and Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce.
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About Akron Public Schools:
Akron Public Schools (APS) enrolls more than 21,000 students and employs 3,000 teaching and non-teaching professionals in Northeastern Ohio. The district, one of the state's largest and most diverse, covers 62 square miles in a city of 195,000. APS educators are committed to rigorous teaching and learning, safe learning centers and community engagement to prepare young people to be well rounded and ready for the challenges of learning that follow in life. The goal of APS is to be the #1 urban school system in the United States. For more information about Akron Public Schools, visit
AkronSchools.com.
About Akron Children’s Hospital:
Akron Children’s Hospital has been caring for children since 1890, and our pediatric specialties are ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. With two hospital campuses, regional health centers, and more than 50 primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, we’re making it easier for today’s busy families to find the high-quality care they need. In 2021, our health care system provided more than 1.2 million patient encounters. We also operate neonatal and pediatric units in the hospitals of our regional health care partners. Every year, our Akron Children’s Home Care nurses provide thousands of in-home visits, and our School Health nurses manage clinic visits for students from preschool through high school. With our Quick Care Online virtual visits and Akron Children’s Anywhere app, we’re here for families whenever and wherever they need us. Learn more at
akronchildrens.org.
About United Way of Summit & Medina:
United Way of Summit & Medina takes on the issues that matter most to children and families. We pursue Bold Goals through forward-thinking strategies, innovative programs and hands-on work in our community. We team up with private and public leaders, local businesses and thousands of volunteers from across our community to create change that matters. Together, we are hand raisers. Game changers. Because there’s a better future in store for our community, and the time is now to make it happen. Learn more at
uwsummitmedina.org.