Empowering Akron: Upcoming Events & Community Impact
- Richard Gibson
- Jul 20
- 3 min read
Events | Support | Our Mission
Community & Development
BUILDING THE FUTURE TOGETHER
Taste and Thrive Cooking Camp Highlights
We are overflowing with gratitude for the incredible young chefs who joined us at our recent cooking camp. This hands-on experience was a celebration of culinary creativity and healthy living, made possible by our dedicated supporters and local community partners.
Congratulations to Richard Gibson!
We are incredibly proud to announce that our Executive Director, Richard Gibson, has been named one of the '30 for the Future' by the Greater Akron Chamber. This prestigious honor recognizes young professionals who make a significant impact on our region through their leadership and service. Furthermore, congratulations into initiation into 100 Black Men of Akron.
Thank You to All Involved
We want to express our deepest gratitude to every student, volunteer, and donor who made our recent Washington D.C. trip such a success. Your belief in our mission provides these young leaders with life-changing perspectives.
A Note of Gratitude
We continue to be inspired by the strength, generosity, and heart of the Akron community. Your support makes it possible for SWAG to provide young people with meaningful opportunities that expand their education, strengthen their confidence, and help them see a future beyond what they already know. Because of you, our students were able to visit the U.S. Capitol, tour the Pentagon, explore national landmarks, and experience HBCUs and other colleges. These moments were more than field trips. They gave our students the opportunity to learn, dream bigger, experience new environments, and recognize the possibilities available to them. To every donor, partner, volunteer, family member, and supporter who contributed time, resources, encouragement, or care, we sincerely thank you. Your involvement continues to fuel our mission and makes every milestone possible. Together, we are creating experiences that our students will carry with them for a lifetime.
Summer Events
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
Mark Your Calendars:
Upcoming Community Events
Don't miss these amazing opportunities to connect with the SWAG community in Akron and Canton. We are bringing education and fun together!
Join Students With A Goal for our upcoming series of empowering events! From culinary challenges and gaming summits to educational math-a-thons and health expos, there is something for everyone to participate in and support our mission.
Taste & Thrive Expo Day
July 24, 2026 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Jennings CLC 227 E Tallmadge Ave, Akron, OH
SWAG Cycling & Fishing
August 5, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM 1538 Boston Mills Rd, Peninsula, OH
2nd Annual Small Plates Challenge
November 11, 2026 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM 440 Vernon Odom Blvd, Akron, OH
Fuel the Mission to Expansion
$5,000 GOAL
Our goal is expanding SWAG across different parts of Akron. Contact us to learn more or donate to the cause.
Your investment directly supports local programming that provides Akron youth with the tools they need to succeed in school and life. No gift is too small to make a meaningful difference.
SWAG in the News
Stay informed and see how Students With A Goal is making headlines in our local community and beyond through recent media coverage.
“We got to give life.”
Pastor Deante Lavender wants kids to live.
— Pastor Deante Lavender
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