Grants That Make a Difference

December 1, 2007

University Park Alliance Receives $1.08 Million GAR Foundation Grant for Educational Excellence Initiative

In November, Akron's GAR Foundation awarded a $1.08 million grant to the University of Akron Foundation for the University Park Alliance (UPA) to create an Educational Excellence Initiative pre-kindergarten program for University Park residents.

Phase one of the program begins in January 2008 and ends in June 2009. It provides for a full-day preschool experience that uses the parent-focused Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK) program developed by Sisters of Charity in Stark County. SPARK prepares children for kindergarten by building reading, language and social skills. The curriculum will include cognitive and affective development activities, as well as health and wellness programs.

Partners in the grant, to be managed by University Park Alliance, include the university's College of Education and Institute for Health and Social Policy, Akron Public Schools, Akron Summit Community Action Inc., Summit Education Initiative, Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton, Greater Akron Chamber and the Akron Area YMCA. The program will be offered at three locations over the next five years — one each in the southeast, southwest and northeast quadrants of the University Park neighborhood where significant numbers of families live.

The GAR Foundation is a private, independent foundation established in 1967 as a charitable trust by Galen J. Roush, co-founder and chief executive officer of Roadway Express, and his wife, Ruth Roush. The foundation has distributed more than $150 million since its inception to support charitable organizations within the foundation's areas of interest.

The mission of the University Park Alliance is to revitalize the diverse neighborhoods in a 50-block area immediately surrounding The University of Akron by engaging the community and catalyzing real estate and business investment.

Contacts:

University Park Alliance
Address: Office of the President
The University of Akron
Buchtel Hall 210
Akron, OH 44325-6238
Phone: (330) 972-8859
FAX: (330) 972-5453
URL: www.upakron.com

GAR Foundation
Address: PO Box 1500
Akron, OH 44309-1500
Phone: (330) 576-2926
FAX: (330) 294-5315
URL: www.garfdn.org

Sources:
University of Akron Press Release, "GAR Foundation Awards $1.08 Million Grant For University Park Alliance", November 9, 2007.