Akron Youth Success Summit holds rally to honor after-school programs

The Youth Success Summit joined the celebration of the National Lighting After School rally Thursday night at the Akron Art Museum.

lights on after school it is the only national event dedicated to postsecondary education programs and their role in the lives of children, families and communities.

Youth Success Summit is an organization of more than 100 community-based nonprofit organizations dedicated to expanding after-school and summer recreational opportunities for youth in Greater Akron through equity.

Rachel Tecca, the program’s executive director, said the after-school programs are good for the kids.

“They develop social skills, relationships, develop confidence, feel safe and supported, and gain essential career, life and academic skills,” Tecca said.

What is the Youth Success Summit?

According to the organization’s website, the Akron Youth Success Summit is “a network of partners committed to providing high-quality after-school and summer programs focused on your child’s growth, development and success.”

Through the website, parents and guardians can search for available programs that suit their children’s needs and interests.

Programs are divided into various categories: academics, arts, college and career readiness, health and wellness, leadership development, youth support, sports and recreation, summer day camps and youth development.

View the searchable program database Here.

Supporters share the importance of after-school programs

Phoenix Valentine, a senior at East Community Learning Center, completed a summer internship with one of the programs offered by the city of Akron. Valentin also contributed to the development of the program.

“I wasn’t really involved in after school programs when I was younger, but as I got older, I realized it was important to have resources to improve our community,” Valentine said.

David James, former Akron Public Schools superintendent and current Youth Success Summit board president, thanked everyone for attending the rally and for bringing attention to the programs.

“(It) empowers our children so they can have experiences that will help them see the world differently and inspire them to continue to succeed,” James said.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik showed his support for the youth program and its growth in Akron, saying that is something he would like the city to focus on.

“We have the opportunity to really make a difference in people’s lives,” Malik said.

Nonprofits Team Up to Develop Youth Success Summit

Beginning in 2022, more than 150 postsecondary organizations, parents, youth and community leaders worked together to develop the summit.

Non-profit organizations and their leaders include:

• Jerome Moss from the Boys and Girls Community Partnership

• DeJuana Waters-Messenger from the film “Bridge Over the Village”

• Beth Kelly from the YMCA

• Brandon Waite of the Akron Urban League

• Kemp Boyd of Love Akron

• Rodney Matthews of Urban Vision

• Joe Tucker of South Street Ministries

• Robin Cutler from Girls on the Run

• K. T. Mockensturm of the Akron-Summit County Library

• Laurie Curfman from the GRAD Project

• Tiffany Lundy and Desiree Bolden from Akron Public Schools

• Anne Robson of Red Oak

• Raychelle Wardell and Denico Buckley-Knight of Akron

To learn more about programs and community events, visit youthsuccesssummit.org

This article originally appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal: Youth Success Summit held its official presentation at the Akron Art Museum