A Project for Citizen Participation in Planning the Future of Akron

WORKGROUP ON Higher Education as a Community Resource

 Goals:

1. To provide education and training to meet the needs of a global, technological society.
2. To enhance the technical, communication and problem-solving skills of traditional and non-traditional students.
3. To provide creative, affordable opportunities for lifelong learning.

1. Implementation of a K-16 Summit County Initiative.
2. Provision of scholarships, tax credits and grants to help finance lifelong learning.
3. Development of infrastructure to support enhanced distance learning to businesses and homes.
4. Collaboration between businesses, government, and the university for curriculum development, training, certification programs, and research.
5. Provision of federal loan repayment for students who elect to teach or tutor in inner city schools.
6. Expanded use of Career Passport.
7. Development of multi-use facilities to offset costs of new educational facilities and sites.
8. Providing opportunities for service learning—i.e., involving students in applied problem-solving such as juvenile crime prevention, care of the elderly, etc.
9. Provision of city-subsidized housing, child support and transportation for students needing financial assistance.
10. Ongoing use of Akron Regional Development Board’s School to Work Program.
11. Marketing Akron’s attributes (lower cost of living, affordable housing, quality of life issues, etc.) so as to retain a skilled labor market.