October 14, 2019

Last week, FirstEnergy President and CEO Chuck Jones joined the Superintendent of Akron Public Schools Dr. David James and a number of student ambassadors at the West Akron Campus to announce our company’s new partnership in the College and Career Academy at Akron’s Kenmore-Garfield High School.

Through this new collaboration – named the FirstEnergy Academy of Emerging Technology and Design – FirstEnergy employees will provide these Akron-area high school students with instructional support and real-world learning opportunities in the areas of business management, energy and environmental protection, information technology and more. Employees also will work with educators to enhance course offerings, host facility visits, and attend career days, which offers the mentorship, training and a visible career pathway that can better prepare and inspire students for their future careers.

“FirstEnergy is committed to the Akron area and we are proud to take a leading role in both education and economic development,” said Chuck. “The College and Career Academy at Kenmore-Garfield High School is a tremendous opportunity to allow our company and our employees to contribute their expertise to help cultivate our future workforce.”

“Students at Kenmore-Garfield are about to experience a new approach to learning that will create opportunities they may not have previously imagined,” said David. “FirstEnergy has a wealth of expertise just waiting for our kids to mine.”

The collaboration between Akron Public Schools and FirstEnergy was formed with the help of United Way of Summit County. United Way serves as a link between the College and 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.

“We want Akron’s students to be able to imagine themselves doing something fulfilling in their careers,” said Jim Mullen, president and CEO of United Way of Summit County. “In order for that to happen, United Way has been connecting local businesses with the College and Career Academies to create first-hand experiences for the students. This also gives businesses the opportunity to demonstrate to our future professionals the skills they will need to succeed in their workplace.”

Kathryn Rodocker, campus principal of Kenmore-Garfield High School, added, “We’re thrilled to partner with FirstEnergy. The strengths of FirstEnergy align perfectly with the pathways in our emerging technology and design academy. Their willingness to share their time and talent will benefit both our students and teachers.”