Earlier this year, GAR Foundation announced the launch of a new $1.2 million investment called Essential Experiences to provide every Akron Public Schools student in PreK through 5th grade with meaningful learning experiences outside of the classroom. We partnered with ArtSparks, Akron Art Museum, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Akron Zoo, Hale Farm & Village, and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens to develop enriching field studies directly connected to classroom learning.
Six Akron-area entrepreneurs helped the students bring these concepts to life this fall. Cilantro Thai & Sushi, 7th Floor Clothing, Goods, Tiny Circuits, Akron Honey Company, and Hair Geek Studios were gracious enough to share their time and expertise with third-graders participating in the Hale Farm “Market and Me” experience in a series of videos. In the videos, students are introduced to economic vocabulary and learn how economic principles have changed in our community over time.