Akron, Ohio (Feb 27, 2017) – GAR Foundation announced $1,405,000 in funding at its quarterly meeting in February to Summit County community organizations. Akron Public Schools and the Ohio Erie & Canalway Coalition are among those receiving the largest grants.

Akron Public Schools received a three-year grant in the amount $300,000 for the expansion of the College and Career Academies at North High School. The transformation of North High School into a career-themed pathway provides high school students with opportunities to pursue real-life and relevant interests in Health and Human Services and Global Technology and Business.

“GAR is extremely confident in the evolution at Akron Public Schools. We view the new College and Career Academies of Akron as an excellent model for deep, comprehensive learning experiences for our students and the strategic development of our future workforce,” said Kirstin Toth, senior vice president of GAR Foundation.

This new approach to learning prepares students for careers by linking academic subjects to career themes prevalent in our local economy. The career themes are identified through analyzing regional workforce data. Through these academies, students will also have the opportunity to job shadow and intern at local companies and hospitals.

The Ohio Erie & Canalway Coalition received funding for Akron’s Reimagining the Civic Commons project to revive public spaces and restore civic engagement. This effort is part of a national initiative to foster civic engagement, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability. Akron competed with dozens of cities and was one of five selected nationally to implement the local project which  focuses on enhancing and connecting the Civic Gateway, Park East, and Summit Lake Park. GAR’s $300,000 grant will leverage national funding over three years.

Other organizations receiving support this quarter include:

• ACCESS, Inc., $70,000, for general operations
• Akron Art Museum, $100,000, for general operations
• Akron Community Service Center & Urban League, Inc., $75,000, For general operations
• Akron Public Schools, $300,000, For College & Career Academies over three years
• Akron Score, $20,000, for general operations
• Christ Child Society of Akron, $15,000, for the Clothing Center
• Cleveland International Film Festival, $20,000, For the 41st CIFF in Akron
• Community Legal Aid Services, Inc., $25,000, for general operations
• ConxusNEO, $80,000, for general operations
• Countryside Conservancy, $20,000, for Neighborhood Mini-Markets and the Carrot Cash program
• Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio, $25,000, for the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in Kenmore, North Hill, and Garfield
• International Institute of Akron, $40,000, for general operations
• International Soap Box Derby, $25,000, For general operations
• Leadership Akron, $55,000, for general operations
• LINKS Community and Family Services, $20,000, For the Afterschool Academy
• None too Fragile, $15,000, for the 2017 off-Broadway series
• Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, $300,000, for the Reimagining the Civic Commons in Akron over three years
• Open M, $45,000, for general operations
• Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio, $40,000, for general operations in Summit County
• Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, $5,000, for camperships
• South Street Ministries, $30,000, for general operations
• Summit Choral Society, $25,000, for general operations
• Summit County Fatherhood Initiative, $30,000, for general operations
• Summit Food Policy Coalition, $25,000, For general operations

About GAR Foundation

GAR Foundation was established in 1967 by Galen and Ruth Roush. Galen was the co-founder and chief executive officer of Roadway Express. GAR Foundation invests in Greater Akron to promote quality of life, education, and economic opportunities for its people, in a culturally vibrant community.

_{Photo courtesy of Bruce Ford and the Ohio Erie & Canalway Coalition}