Scholars Academy

SCHOLARS ACADEMY

Akron Urban League Scholars Academy program provides support and guidance to Summit County scholars in grades 9-12, around their college and career path decision-making process. We aim to expand their college or career readiness skills through experiential learning, workshops, mental health supports, and mentorship sessions that provide growth and learning opportunities.

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Scholars Academy Eligibility

• High school grades 9-12.
• Summit County resident. 
• A minimum 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA)
• more information coming soon

Scholars Academy Benefits

• Guaranteed Scholarship Dollars
• Potential Internships with Akron Employers
• Engaging college readiness experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Scholars Academy?

Scholars Academy is  designed for ambitious 9th to 12th graders, this dynamic program is a gateway to career success. Honing essential skills, connecting with industry professionals, and diving into immersive workshops—all tailored to supercharge a transition to higher education and beyond.

2. What is the time commitment for Scholars Academy?

Based on valuable insights from our surveys and focus groups with current and former scholars, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting new schedule! Twice a month, we’ll host dedicated sessions—one for 9th and 10th graders, and another for 11th and 12th graders—on Mondays and Thursdays. But that’s not all! Each month, you’ll also have the chance to attend inspiring guest speaker events, career mentorship panels, and hands-on workshops, ensuring plenty of opportunities for enrichment despite busy schedules.

For our seniors, we highly encourage you to join the workshops, as they are designed to boost your readiness for the scholarship application process kicking off in December.

3. Am I eligible to apply for the Akron Urban League Scholars Academy Program?

Students are eligible for the Scholars Academy Program if they are:

• A high school student in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade
• A Summit County resident
• Can commit to attending 1 event minimum a month

4. Where can I locate and submit the Scholars Academy Enrollment?

The Scholars Academy Enrollment Form can be found on our website.

Please click here to access the Scholars Academy Enrollment Form directly.

5. What supporting documents do I need to submit with my enrollment application?

There are NO required supporting documents to enroll in the Scholar’s Academy program.

6. How should I complete the enrollment?

The enrollment is ONLY available digitally through our Scholars Academy webpage.

Please click here to access the Scholars Academy Enrollment Form directly.

All scholars and at least ONE family member will be required to attend our Scholars Academy Orientation, where additional paperwork will be provided.

7. What is the submission time for my enrollment?

Please allow our team one business day after registration closes on October 4, 2024, to provide you with detailed information about the mandatory Scholars Academy Orientation. Students who complete the digital form and attend the orientation will be fully enrolled in the Scholars Academy program. We look forward to welcoming you!

8. After my enrollment form is submitted, what are the next steps in the process?

After your enrollment form is submitted, an Education Specialist will reach out to you with an invitation to our Scholars Academy Orientation date and time as well as additional paperwork.

9. Am I eligible for scholarships offered by Akron Urban League if I am in the Scholars Academy Program?

Yes. Highschool seniors enrolled in the Scholars Academy program will be funneled into the Annual Scholarship Program. Students who complete the Scholars Academy program, and complete the Annual Scholarship interview process, will receive scholarship funds.

10. I’m unable to make the weekly time commitment due to sports or other extracurriculars, for Scholars Academy but I still need scholarship dollars. What can I do?

The Scholars Academy program is a robust program and we expect our participants to have a minimum 80% participation. A full and detailed schedule will be provided to program participants after registration.

Students who cannot commit to the full Scholars Academy program are still eligible to receive a scholarship by applying during the Scholarship Program window (Dec.1 – Feb. 15). Any high school Senior can apply for an Akron Urban League Scholarship if they meet the following requirements:

• High School Senior, graduating in Spring 2025
• A Summit County Resident
• Enrolled in an accredited 2-Year college/university, 4-Year college/university, or trade program
• Earned a minimum 2.5 Cumulative GPA

Annual Scholarship Program information will be posted in December 2024. Scholarships for students outside of the Scholars Academy program are limited but still available.

11. Do Scholar’s Academy students have to go through the scholarship application process?

Yes. The Scholarship application process involves:

• Submitting an application in the application window (Dec.1 through Feb. 15)
• Submitting an essay
• Completing an interview

Scholars Academy participants will earn scholarship dollars upon successfully completing the program. The amount awarded will depend on several factors, including performance in the interview and essay portions.

12. Is there an enrollment deadline to get into the program?

Registration is from Sept.16th through Oct. 4th. The Scholars Academy Enrollment Form will remain open until our program is full. After our program is deemed full, we will hold a waitlist for applicants. If any participants drop out of the program during the first month, waitlist applicants will be contacted by our team.

 *Frequently Asked Questions will be regularly updated as additional questions arise.