GRADUATION REALLY ACHIEVES DREAMS
Our Story
GRADUATION REALLY ACHIEVES DREAMS
Our Story
A Brief History
Project GRAD Akron (PGA), a non-profit educational reform program, began in the Akron Public Schools in 2002, under the leadership of now-retired Superintendent Dr. Sylvester Small and many corporate, community, and business leaders. In 2001, Dr. Small and a team of individuals (including Theresa Carter, Vivian Celeste Neal, and Oscar Williams) went to Houston, Texas to gather additional information about Project GRAD Houston and other programs in the Project GRAD USA network. Returning to Akron, it was determined that Project GRAD would be beneficial to the Akron Public Schools (APS), and steps were put in place to begin operations in the Buchtel Cluster. Judi Bevly Hill, the APS Director of Community Partnerships was assisted by Joseph Coleman, who was hired by APS to coordinate the first Walk for Success.
Project GRAD Akron (PGA), a non-profit educational reform program, began in the Akron Public Schools in 2002, under the leadership of now-retired Superintendent Dr. Sylvester Small and many corporate, community, and business leaders. In 2001, Dr. Small and a team of individuals (including Theresa Carter, Vivian Celeste Neal, and Oscar Williams) went to Houston, Texas to gather additional information about Project GRAD Houston and other programs in the Project GRAD USA network.
Our Mission
In collaboration with community partners, Project GRAD Akron will provide a system of programs, supports, and scholarships for underrepresented students to achieve success from kindergarten through career.
Our Mission
In collaboration with community partners, Project GRAD Akron will provide a system of programs, supports, and scholarships for underrepresented students to achieve success from kindergarten through career.
Vivian Celeste Neal agreed to serve as the organizing Board Chairperson to initiate the 501(c)(3) non-profit status. After the non-profit 501(c)(3) was established in September of 2002, Robert "Bob" Kulinski was elected as the Board Chairperson. Later, the Board hired Flora Randall Dees, Ed.D, as the Executive Director and Dr. Elaine Small as the Scholarship Chairperson. Project GRAD Akron's initial six schools were in the Buchtel Cluster and the initial schools were Buchtel High School, Perkins Middle School, Crouse Elementary School, Erie Island Elementary School, Rankin Elementary School, and Schumacher Elementary School. Dr. Dees retired in 2006. Jacqueline Silas-Butler, Esq., has served as Executive Director since July 31, 2006.
Returning to Akron, it was determined that Project GRAD would be beneficial to the Akron Public Schools (APS), and steps were put in place to begin operations in the Buchtel Cluster. Judi Bevly Hill, the APS Director of Community Partnerships was assisted by Joseph Coleman, who was hired by APS to coordinate the first Walk for Success. Vivian Celeste Neal agreed to serve as the organizing Board Chairperson to initiate the 501(c)(3) non-profit status. After the non-profit 501(c)(3) was established in September of 2002, Robert "Bob" Kulinski was elected as the Board Chairperson. Later, the Board hired Flora Randall Dees, Ed.D, as the Executive Director and Dr. Elaine Small as the Scholarship Chairperson. Project GRAD Akron's initial six schools were in the Buchtel Cluster and the initial schools were Buchtel High School, Perkins Middle School, Crouse Elementary School, Erie Island Elementary School, Rankin Elementary School, and Schumacher Elementary School. Dr. Dees retired in 2006. Jacqueline Silas-Butler, Esq., has served as Executive Director since July 31, 2006.
Since September 2002, Project GRAD Akron has successfully partnered with the Akron Public Schools to positively impact the lives of students and families. In the fall of 2002, we began our journey with six schools in the Buchtel Cluster. In 2017-18, we piloted an expansion of services to North High School. During the 2018-19 school year, we expanded our services to the East Community Learning Center. Currently, we are providing programming and services to students in the Buchtel, East, Garfield, and North Clusters of the Akron Public Schools.
The heart of the work that we do is showing the students the pathways to a successful life. We help students make positive transitions through programs including our Bridge to Kindergarten program in collaboration with Kent State University; the Kids2College program; our College and Career Central class; our Summer Institutes in collaboration with the University of Akron; our GRAD Mentors program; our scholarships; and our GRAD Persists programs for our college students. Since 2006, we have awarded over $2.0 million in scholarships to graduates of the Akron Public Schools!
Our Mission
In collaboration with community partners, Project GRAD Akron will provide a system of programs, supports, and scholarships for underrepresented students to achieve success from kindergarten through career.
VISION
We see a world of hope – where there are no limits on potential, the greatness in every child is inspired and celebrated, and dreams are realized through opportunities and education. As such, Project GRAD Akron will become one of the foremost enablers of underrepresented student success through unique and innovative programs (PG Knoxville).
CORE VALUES
Mutual Respect, Honesty & Integrity, Teamwork & Collaboration, Passion for Excellence,
Commitment to Community, Lifelong Learning Culture, Entrepreneurial & Innovative
