Grant from ACF to Boost Support for SCMC

AKRON, OH (March 10, 2025) –  A generous $50,000 grant from the Akron Community Foundation has been awarded to support the Summit County Mentoring Collaborative (SCMC) and its efforts to expand mentoring opportunities for youth in need. The funding will assist in a county-wide mentor recruitment initiative, directly benefiting programs that provide essential guidance and emotional support to young people facing adversity. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina & Stark Counties (BBBS) applied for the grant with the support of the Youth Success Summit (YSS).  SCMC is part of the YSS network.  

Many youth in Summit County face significant challenges, including unstable housing, exposure to crime, and the absence of consistent adult mentorship. These stressors contribute to mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and academic and social difficulties. The mentorship programs provided by SCMC offer one-to-one relationships that are critical in fostering resilience, self-esteem, and coping skills in young people. 

“This generous grant from the Akron Community Foundation enables us to extend our reach and deepen our impact in the community,” said Rachel Tecca, executive director of Youth Success Summit.  “SCMC’s collaborative approach is aimed at breaking down silos between youth mentoring organizations in the region. The only silos we should have in Summit County are on farms. By working together, we can create a mentorship ecosystem where every child has access to a champion who can help them succeed.”

For more information about the Summit County Mentoring Collaborative and ways to get involved, call (330) 227-4508 or email info@youthsuccesssummit.org.