Youth Success Summit holds rally to celebrate after school programs

Youth Success Summit (YSS) recently hosted a Lights on Afterschool rally celebrating after school programs in Summit County.  The event was held at the Akron Art Museum with over 100 people in attendance.  Rachel Tecca, executive director of YSS, began the event by introducing YSS as an organization of 100+ community-based nonprofits dedicated to equity-based, high-quality afterschool and summer programs in Greater Akron.  She said afterschool programs are beneficial to youth because they build social skills, relationships, and confidence, while allowing children to feel safe and supported.  Programs also teach youth essential career, life and academic skills. 

Tecca was joined by Dr. David James, and board chairman of YSS, and Akron Mayor Shammas Malik.  James, former superintendent of Akron Public Schools, stated he always understood the need for students to have opportunities outside of the school day and was thrilled to finally see the attention and resources needed to make strong after school programs a reality in Akron.  He stated that these opportunities give children experiences that will help them see the world differently and inspire them to further success.  Malik showed his support afterschool programs and their growth in Akron, saying that this was where he wanted the city to focus. “We have the opportunity to make it truly transformational in people’s lives,” Malik said.

The highlights of the event included two student speakers.  Phoenix Valentine, a senior at Akron Public Schools, talked about her internship with the City of Akron and her involvement with Youth Success Summit.  “I wasn’t involved a lot in programs after school when I was younger but as I got older, I realized it’s important to have resources to improve our community,” said Valentine. Tawlah, an Akron Public Schools student, talked about immigrating to the United States when she was in second grade.  She joined Kid’s Club at Urban Vision and stayed with the organization all the way through high school.  By age 14, she began interning at Urban Vision and learned to communicate more effectively, take charge when needed, and build fellowship within her community.

The event wrapped up with a parade of twenty-five of the 100+ YSS providers. Guests celebrated their unique and innovative programs and showed support for the work they are doing with after school programs in Akron.