School is out of session and summer is here, which means Akron youth are looking for things to do. What are some ways they can spend their time outside of the classroom?
Check out this list of Akron organizations that are looking to engage with young people. Also a few spots remain for Akron Recreation and Parks summer camps.
Guys & Gals Community Partnership
This year’s Guys & Gals Summer Enrichment camp runs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from June 11 through July 27. The camp focuses on cultural education, arts, physical activity, mental health and more – and it includes field trips and guest speakers. Registration can be filled out online.
The Fallen Fathers Foundation
The Fallen Fathers Foundation focuses on empowering the community through mentorship and trauma-informed programming.
This summer, the Fallen Fathers Foundation will host an eight-week youth basketball league for ages 8 to 13 and a Monday-through-Friday summer youth camp from June 10 to Aug. 2.
The 100 Black Men of Akron, Inc.
The 100 Black Men of Akron, Inc. provides mentorship and “added opportunities for young men in grades 5 to 12 within our community.” The organization’s stated mission is to help youth by focusing on education, health and character.
A membership application can be found on their website.
Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio
The Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio provides a space for youth ages 6 to 18, and there is no cost to join a club. At Summer Club, which generally runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., participants get a free daily meal. Akron is home to three Boys and Girls Clubs that have summer programming:
- Helen Arnold Community Learning Center, located at 450 Vernon Odom Blvd. in Sherbondy Hill.
- LeBron James Clubhouse, located at 825 Fuller St. in East Akron.
- Steve Wise Club, located at 889 Jonathan Ave. in Firestone Park.
Parents and guardians can register their kids online or contact Brandon Delk at bdelk@bgcneo.org with questions.
The Vincent House
The Vincent House offers a variety of free programming for Akron youth, including an after-school-care program for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The roster is currently full for the program, but you can put a name on a waitlist.
The organization also runs a weekly recreation night on Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Middle school and high school students can enjoy the open gym and connect with Vincent House mentors – all that is needed is a signed release form.
OhioMeansJobs Summit County
Summit County youth ages 14 to 24 have access to career services through OhioMeansJobs. In addition to a job database, the State of Ohio offers a job mentorship program and career workshops.
Returning this fall
Akron Youth Mentorship
Akron Youth Mentorship runs a group mentorship program weekday evenings during the school year for elementary age and high school youth. The program focuses on providing a safe environment for youth and fostering positive relationships between mentors and mentees. Interested mentors can apply online.
