Release Date: December 16,2024
Downtown Akron Partnership Invites Local Students to Apply for 2025 Downtown Akron Youth Council Program
December 16, 2024, Akron, Ohio — Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) is pleased to announce that the 2025 application for the Downtown Akron Youth Council is now open to Akron Public Schools students in grades 9 – 12. The application will remain open until 11:59 pm on Monday, January 13, 2025.
DAP Communications Director Dominic Caruso says, “2025 will be an exciting year for the Downtown Akron Youth Council, now that the renovated Lock 3 is open, and Akron will be celebrating its bicentennial, there will be some great opportunities for APS students to add their ideas and voices to DAP programs, and we’re looking forward to working with the students to make the programs even richer than they’d otherwise be.”
As members of the Downtown Akron Youth Council, young citizens can collaborate with DAP staff to aid in the creation, promotion and implementation of youth-centered activities at DAP-created events. During its first iteration, which kicked off in December 2023, the Youth Council helped design a 2000s-R&B-themed Skate Night on the Plaza, held in summer 2024, which was well received by people of all ages from the community.
In addition to helping plan activities that will be appealing to high-school-age Akronites, members will have the opportunity to volunteer during DAP events, learn about a non-profit organization’s mission and contributions to the community, strengthen future work and school applications, gain experience working collaboratively with others, engage with the public and contribute to the betterment of downtown Akron. Students whose applications are accepted will be able to serve until graduation.
Those interested in applying must be currently enrolled in grades 9 – 12 in the Akron Public Schools system. Applications from students attending East, Garfield, North and Ellet CLCs will be prioritized, but students from all APS high schools are invited to apply. Students are asked to submit a short essay addressing the prompt, “How can downtown Akron better serve young people?” as part of the application process.
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by January 20, 2025. Questions about the program can be directed to Caleb Thurman, DAP’s youth coordinator, at cthurman@downtownakron.com.
Access the application here: https://forms.gle/ZodatZnBNwSAkxyw7
About Downtown Akron Partnership
The mission of Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) is to promote and build a vibrant and valuable downtown. DAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing people, activity, business and a thriving civic life to the heart of Akron. Through strategic marketing, clean and safe programs and management of downtown's resources, DAP works to promote downtown as a gathering place in the center of our community.
DAP's members include property owners, business leaders and government officials who want to improve the image of downtown as a safe, convenient location for businesses, working professionals and families. DAP is governed by a board of trustees as diverse as the interests of our city. DAP receives general operating support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Akron Community Foundation and GAR Foundation.