County executive details Freshwater Institute launch, student programs and swim-access initiative

At the request of a council member, the county executive described launching the Freshwater Institute during the June 24 meeting, highlighting education, advocacy, economic development and efforts to expand swim access for children.

The executive said the institute received funding from the Cleveland Foundation and partners, and that it will coordinate with 81 Great Lakes counties on economic opportunities related to the region's freshwater resources. "We graduated 28 high school students from around the region," the county executive said, describing the first cohort and ongoing Saturday programs that engaged students across council districts.

On the education and access front, the executive said the county started a swim-access program for fourth graders in partnership with the Warrensville and Cleveland school districts with the aim of teaching water safety and building affinity for the Great Lakes. He framed the institute’s work around four pillars: education, advocacy, economic development and access.

The executive described the institute's goals as protecting freshwater supplies and addressing concerns such as diversion and microplastics, and said the program aims to develop future stewards and ambassadors for the Great Lakes. Council members who requested the update thanked the executive and asked to keep supporting the initiative as it seeks additional funding and partnerships.

Next steps: the executive indicated the institute will continue outreach to school districts and regional partners to expand programming, and the council did not record any formal vote tied to the institute description during this meeting.