West Stark News

AKRON, Ohio – Akron Public Schools (APS) announced yesterday a three-year renewal of the sister university agreement between the University of Mount Union and Akron Public Schools. As a sister university, Mount Union will continue to give support and provide resources to students at North High School as they explore various college and career options. Mount Union will work with teachers at North to develop career-themed classroom content; design and present “problem-based" learning opportunities; provide parent and student workshops and assistance on the college admissions process; and offer valuable enrichment opportunities.   

“The response from the University of Mount Union speaks volumes for the work being done in our College & Career Academies. Mount Union continues to make exciting and significant contributions to our students’ lives and their futures. We are grateful for its decision to renew with us,” said Mary Outley, interim superintendent for Akron Public Schools.

“The University of Mount Union is honored and delighted to continue our vibrant partnership with Akron North High School,” said Dr. Kristine Still, founding dean of Mount Union’s College of Applied and Social Sciences and institutional liaison to Akron North. “Over the last few years, our faculty and students have participated in a myriad of meaningful engagements with Akron North teachers and students. We are sincerely grateful for this partnership and are excited to continue providing Akron North students with experiential learning on Mount Union’s campus, with the hope that they too might consider continuing their education on a University campus like Mount Union.”

“North’s partnership with the University of Mount Union has provided valuable opportunities for our students to enrich their education and imagine their futures after high school,” said North’s Campus Principal, Kathryn Rodocker. “Not only has Mount Union provided multiple college visits and activities geared towards student interests, but they also provide opportunities in visual arts, athletics, navigating FAFSA, and so much more. We are thrilled that they have decided to renew our partnership.”  

The collaboration between Akron Public Schools and the University of Mount Union 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.

“The United Way of Summit & Medina is a proud partner with Akron Public Schools, serving as the connector between Mount Union and APS students. Giving high school students real-world access to college campus life, college curriculum and meaningful engagement with professors and administration professionals will better position them to make thoughtful and educated decisions about their next steps, post graduation,” said Jim Mullen, president and CEO of United Way of Summit & Medina.

Original source can be found here.