Even with the school year about halfway finished, there’s time for students of all ages in Akron to access academic help. Regardless of if they’re in public or private schools in Akron, there are plenty of resources across Summit County that aim to help students with mentorship, tutoring and homework.
What academic support services does Akron Public Schools offer?
Akron Public Schools uses a litany of in-district services to support students who are struggling academically or simply want to improve. Specifically, the school district relies on a multi-tiered system which supports students struggling academically.
The district uses three assessments per year to identify students, then places them into tiers of support.
Tier 1 is generalized support — instruction that an entire class receives.
Tier 2 is more targeted — students receive extra attention or tutoring.
Tier 3 is the most intensive and personalized support the district offers.
APS hosts a longstanding Akron After School program, which offers math and reading support to “academically at-risk children.” The district website says it services more than 2,500 students across 28 elementary schools.
Feb. 24 is the start of the program’s next semester.
The district also emphasizes summer programming for students across several grades. Summer Experiences, for example, include a credit recovery program for students behind in classes.
The school district also offers a work-based learning program over the summer for high school students. Participants earn on-the-job training and up to $2,400.
How can I get my Akron student help outside of the public school district?
A number of nonprofit organizations across Summit County offer academic support, as well as mentorship after-school programs. Youth Success Summit is a recently founded network of local organizations that provide after-school programs for students across Akron.
The organization links to Summit County’s 211 website to provide a comprehensive list of local education assistance providers cataloged by grade level and subject area.
- The Fallen Fathers Foundation
- Offers after-school homework assistance, tutoring and individual and group mentoring for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
- North Hill Community House
- Offers enrichment programs that include art projects, mindfulness activities, fundamental educational skills, reading, writing, tutoring, mentoring, career and trade choices, life skills activities and awareness and prevention programs. Available for students kindergarten through 12th grade.
- Salvation Army – Summit County
- Provides after-school homework support for students as well as enrichment experiences. Available for students kindergarten through 12th grade.
- The Vincent House
- Offers youth after-school tutoring and enrichment programs for students from kindergarten to 5th grade only.
- Students With A Goal (SWAG)
- Academic mentoring and leadership enrichment programs are available for Akron-area students in 6th through 12th grade. Also available: College and career readiness, academic support and summer enrichment.
- Project GRAD
- Local organization provides tutoring and mentorship for students across all grade levels.
- Bridge to Kindergarten is a free program designed to increase school readiness, parent involvement and literacy for students preparing to enter kindergarten in the Buchtel and East clusters.
- GEAR UP Program, coordinated between Project GRAD and APS, works with students through a program called Kids2College — starting in 6th grade — to prepare for college.
- Beginning in 7th grade and following students through 12th grade, Project GRAD offers College And Central, its signature college readiness and access program.
- GRADs Persist is a Project GRAD program that helps students enrolled in college with weekly staff-led support groups, academic and non-academic support as requested by students and case management services to meet student needs and provide crisis interventions.
What if I’m an adult looking to get my GED?
If you’re not high school-aged but are looking to obtain a GED or improve language, literacy or math skills, Project Learn of Summit County offers the following classes:
- Literacy (math and reading) courses.
- HSE/GED Prep, testing and certification.
- Distance Education for residents who cannot make in-person classes.
- English Speakers or Other Language (ESOL) classes to help immigrants and refugees improve their English speaking, writing and comprehension skills.
