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Students introduce C Akron, a student‑led equity and leadership network across eight Akron high schools
Summary
Students from eight Akron high schools told the board they have formed C Akron (Students for Equity and Excellence), described a constitution and launch plan for August 2025 and asked for district support and adviser relationships.
AKRON — Students from eight Akron high schools presented a student‑led organization called C Akron (Students for Equity and Excellence) to the Akron Public Schools Board on Jan. 27, outlining a constitution, learning outcomes and a plan to launch in August 2025.
Devon Caldwell Sales, a student board member, opened the presentation and said students met monthly with the Summit Education Initiative to develop leadership skills and a platform to advocate for equity and student voice. Founding members Jordan Holloway, Harlem Parsons, Anaya Law, Celicia Coggins and senior Zia West described the group’s mission — to promote equity, respect and excellence — and three program strands: graphic design and branding, public speaking, and video documentation of the group’s work.
The students said they have drafted a constitution and used survey data to shape their goals. Jeremiah Emmanuel told the board the group plans a youth summit in May 2025 and intends to launch activities across all eight Akron high schools in August 2025.
Board members and staff offered immediate support. Member Harrison and Vice President Alexander praised the students’ work; Alexander offered to explore opportunities to bring student presenters to statewide events. The superintendent and other board members encouraged the students to identify staff advisers in their buildings and to pursue grant funding; Member Hall and others volunteered to help with grant writing and connections to existing out‑of‑school funding streams.
Why it matters: a district‑wide student organization that spans multiple high schools can create a sustained channel for student input on equity, school culture and policy. The students asked the district for central‑office partnership to help with logistics, advisor relationships and access to funding.
What the students asked for and next steps
- Establish staff advisers in each participating school and identify teacher mentors.
- Support from central office on logistics and partnership to scale the initiative district‑wide.
- Assistance with grant writing and identifying sustainable funding sources; board members offered to help draft applications.
The board welcomed the proposal and asked the student leaders to continue coordinating with their principals and the superintendent’s office to finalize adviser assignments and a launch schedule.
