_1.jpg "Image of Being a Better You")
In honor of National Mentoring Month, on Thursday, January 19, the Aim High Akron GEAR UP program partnered with Akron's 100 Black Men to host a Youth Summit themed "Being a Better You."
More than 80 seventh- and eighth-graders representing Buchtel, East, Innes and Jennings middle schools received a warm welcome from Superintendent Christine Fowler Mack and Executive Director Pam Hickson-Stevenson. Scholars then participated in hands-on activities focused on conflict resolution, mental health and self-image. A sincere thank-you to our sponsors: Akron Community Foundation; Akron NAACP; and our venue host, Akron Summit County Library, for investing in our scholars who are the future of our Akron community.
During the lunch and networking hour, our scholars engaged in community tables to learn about local resources and to meet friendly faces in their neighborhoods. We want to recognize the following:
Akron Fire Department
Akron Police Department
Akron Promise
Akron Summit County Library
Red Oak Mental Health Agency
Summit County ADM Board
The event could not have succeeded without Mr. Michael Irby, President of Akron's 100 Black Men and the Youth Summit Committee, presenters and events team.
Ms. Kathleen Mockenstrum and Akron Summit County Library staff
Mr. Tony Grimes
Ms. Ashley Ware
Dr. Lathardus Goggins II
Mr. Kemp Boyd
Mr. Edward Smith
Mr. Thomas Peoples
Mr. John Singleton
The pre/post survey showed increased students' knowledge of where to find mental health services, how to resolve conflict, and a better understanding of a positive self-image.
For more information about the Aim High Akron GEAR UP program, please get in touch with Jasmina D. Waters at 330.761.2739 or
jwaters@apslearns.org.