Pictured above: Te’Asia Howell, Towpath Trail High School East Campus alumnus, was awarded a $10,000 Workforce Success grant for housing needs last September.
Oakmont Academic Knowledge (OAK) Foundation is dedicated to helping local youth create opportunities for lifelong success. The non profit was founded by Oakmont Education in 2020. Georgeann Garman Jones serves as the executive director and believes everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue a career regardless of challenges in their personal lives. As a cosmetology instructor and salon owner, Jones is passionate about promoting career and technical education.
Local Impact
The OAK Foundation supports the Dropout Recovery public charter high schools managed by Oakmont Education, which includes Towpath Trail Main Campus and Towpath Trail East Campus in Akron, Towpath Trail Barberton Campus in Summit County, and 13 others from Cleveland to Cincinnati areas. The organization provides financial resources and workforce programs to lower dropout rates and connect graduates with internships and jobs.
By guiding high schoolers to career and technical education (CTE) programs, graduates have the opportunity to build a stable and sustainable future. OAK also operates mentor programs in schools and provides workforce grants of up to $10,000 to graduating seniors. It also provides emergency funding to students and families to improve post-secondary placement retention.
Through local and regional Workforce Advisory committees, the OAK Foundation connects employers with CTE graduates. This strategy results in greater collaboration with businesses looking for new labor sources to meet growing worker shortages.
Building Partnerships
Several companies are major supporters of the OAK Foundation’s efforts. These include Oakmont Education, Stewart Automotive Group, and Junior Achievement.
Ways You Can Help
Businesses and professionals can help support OAK’s initiatives in three primary ways. The first way is by volunteering. From administration to mentoring, your time can be a valuable resource.
The second way is through internships and job placements. You can support students by working with OAK to create opportunities that not only serve your company’s needs but also provide valuable experience to young people entering the workforce.
And the third way is through financial support. You can create a scholarship, sponsor an event, or make a one-time donation. Every dollar helps.
To find out more, please contact
OAK Foundation
481 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd.
Akron, OH 44333
(330) 922-4230
oaknowledge.org
