Buchtel CLC 7-8 » News » 2018-2019 News Archive » APS Announces Partnership with Summa Health
Buchtel CLC to benefit from experiential learning opportunities with Summa Health
​Posted 12/10/18
Today Akron Public Schools (APS) Superintendent David James and Buchtel Community Learning Center (CLC) Principal Nicole Hughes joined President and CEO Dr. Cliff Deveny of Summa Health to announce that Summa Health will become a named integrated partner in the College & Career Academies of Akron at Buchtel CLC. Summa Health will offer instructional support and real-world learning opportunities in areas of healthcare, leadership, and computer programming. The academy will be named the Summa Health Academy of Leadership and Innovation.
"Summa Health has long been a good friend to the Akron Public Schools, particularly Buchtel Community Learning Center, and a leader in the Akron community," said Akron Public Schools Superintendent David W. James. "By becoming a named academy partner, Summa Health is making a commitment to give APS students relevant, real world experiences to help them to be prepared and successful in their futures."
Buchtel CLC Principal Nicole Hughes added, "Just as important as their knowledge and expertise is the underlying message that Summa Health cares about our students. Summa Health is willing to give its time and talent to help every student prepare for future success."
"We're honored to partner with the Akron Public Schools to create the Summa Health Academy of Leadership and Innovation," said Robert Dejournett, director of Community Relations for Summa Health. "As a teaching organization, we know firsthand the value and importance of education. Having this opportunity to build on our relationship with the school district to provide formal educational opportunities to the Buchtel CLC students will go a long way to not only helping them shape their career aspirations, but also to ensuring our community continues to have a pipeline of trained healthcare professionals now and into the future."
The collaboration between Akron Public Schools and Bridgestone was formed with the help of United Way of Summit County. United Way serves as a link between the College & Career Academies of Akron and local businesses to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students and to strengthen the education to employment pipeline in Summit County.
"As an organization dedicated to the wellbeing of our residents, it is fitting that Summa Health is making this commitment to the future of our community," said Jim Mullen, president and CEO of United Way of Summit County. "By giving students access to career-relevant learning, Summa is nurturing the next generation of talented young professionals responsible for the health and prosperity of Greater Akron."
APS was designated a Ford Next Generation Learning Community in May 2017. Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, is supporting the transformation of public high schools into career-themed academies to better prepare students for college and professional success in today's competitive global economy. College and Career Academies of Akron are supported by the following key strategic partners: GAR Foundation, United Way of Summit County, ConxusNEO, Summit Education Initiative, and Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce.