Partners
The six partners bring a wealth of expertise and resources to create a new school with innovative and high quality opportunities for students.
The University of Akron is the public research university for Northern Ohio and the only public university in Ohio with a science and engineering program ranked in the top five nationally by U.S. News & World Report. UA’s College of Education has one of Ohio’s oldest and largest educator preparation programs. Over the last several years, it has provided a leadership role at the state and federal levels in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Coalition. Outstanding teacher education combined with documented excellence in the sciences uniquely qualifies UA to advance STEM initiatives among elementary and secondary students.
Akron Public Schools has been a pioneer in education for more than 160 years. With an enrollment of 25,000 students, the district is a leader among Ohio’s large urban districts and, for the past five years, has successfully aligned all its teaching and learning efforts with the single focus of increasing student achievement. The district prides itself on innovative programming and boasts a popular visual and performing arts school, an africentric school and the prestigious International Baccalaureate program.
City of Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic is an enthusiastic and creative supporter of Akron Public Schools. He has championed levy campaigns, led efforts to fund innovative, new Community Learning Centers and worked to engage partners in creating a new math, science and technology school at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation. A school that prepares students for tomorrow’s high-tech workforce demands reflects his vision for Akron’s long-term success. The Mayor understands the future needs of the business community and how it affects the quality of life in our city and its future. Named a high-technology city by Newsweek Magazine, Akron’s businesses recognize the need for highly-capable graduates who stay in Akron and strengthen the city’s competitive edge. The new math, science and technology school demonstrates an aggressive, focused approach among the partners.
National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation (NIHFF) is a not-for-profit organization, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, dedicated to recognizing, honoring and encouraging invention and creativity. NIHFF honors the inventors responsible for the great technological advances that make social and economic progress possible and participates in many programs designed to embody the inventive spirit for all, regardless of age. Future generations of inventors are encouraged through well-established educational initiatives such as Camp Invention® summer day camp, Club Invention® after-school program and the Collegiate Inventors Competition®. For these programs, as well as all other NIHFF initiatives, NIHFF inductees serve as mentors, advocates, spokespeople, presenters, role models, evaluators and advisors who foster innovation in science, education and technology.
Greater Akron Chamber is an economic development organization serving the counties of Medina, Portage and Summit in Northeast Ohio. The Chamber’s membership includes a diverse array of businesses, ranging from global manufacturers and educational institutions to local machine shops and non-profit organizations. Focused on building a strong community through leadership and strategic alliances, the Greater Akron Chamber works to ensure the region’s prominence in innovation and technology.
Akron Tomorrow is a membership organization comprised of CEOs and community leaders whose mission is to provide leadership on issues of public policy, economic development, and quality of life in the Greater Akron community. Education focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics to meet the challenge of global competition is a major priority for Akron Tomorrow Trustees.