Akron: The City of Opportunity, one of six “Essential Experiences” hosted by Northeast Ohio cultural and historical organizations, was developed in partnership with Akron Public Schools (APS). The experience relates the story of Akron, Ohio as a mecca for immigrant groups from the late 1910s to today. Stories are uncovered through facilitated discussion, paper and artifact-based investigations, along with a detailed exploration of key functional and aesthetic Stan Hywet Manor House spaces like the West Porch, Kitchen and Laundry Room.
Additional Project Info
In 2018, GAR Foundation provided $1.2 million in funding to launch Essential Experiences, an innovative collaboration between six Northeast Ohio arts, cultural and environmental institutions with an urban school district that has impacted 10,263 elementary age students. The goal of the program is to connect classroom learning to local culture, nature and history through visits to six informal learning institutions at which pre-K through 5th grade students participate in interpretive activities that inspire curiosity, infuse meaning and open student’s eyes to lifelong learning opportunities within their community.
Over the last 6 years, the program has positively impacted students’ social and emotional development, improved access to institutions that would otherwise be inaccessible and has successfully brought academic content to life within real-world settings, giving meaning and context for student discovery and hands-on understanding.
