Our Student Stories Matter
October: Our Student Stories Matter!
Resiliency is more than a word
““The fall semester has already started with a bang. With 51 students enrolled, Students With A Goal is entering this season with one of the strongest starts in our organization’s 13-year history. But for us, excellence is not just about getting students through the doors. It is about making sure they leave with knowledge, confidence, skills, and resources they can carry with them long after they leave our care.
SWAG was founded as an academic mentoring hub built around academic excellence, growth, and providing a safe space for young people in our community. Today, we are pushing that mission even further by becoming more youth-voiced and allowing students to help shape what they want this organization to be.
That means introducing students to skilled trades through STEP, our Skilled Trade Education Program with Scouting America, where middle and high school students gain early exposure to welding, carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing. We cannot wait until junior or senior year to introduce young people to these career paths. Exposure has to begin earlier.
It also means continuing our culinary programming; not simply teaching students how to cook, but helping them build independence at home while also exploring culinary arts as a potential career.
Above everything else, our responsibility is to help young people grow. We have to continue building their confidence, expanding what they believe is possible, and giving them the tools to pursue excellence wherever life takes them.”
Richard Gibson
Executive Director, SWAG
2nd Annual Fundraiser
November 11, 2026
Join us for an exciting evening of culinary experience, great food, and community support at 440 Vernon Odom Blvd. Admissions is $75 with every ticket helps create meaningful opportunities for Akron youth.
Support Our Mission
Become a sponsor for our upcoming fundraiser and help us continue providing mentorship and education. Following last year's $30,000 achievement, we are raising the bar.
GOAL: $40,000
SWAG Executive Director Richard Gibson was named a member of the Greater Akron Chamber’s 30 for the Future Class of 2026, recognizing emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact throughout the Greater Akron community.
In addition, Gibson received certificates and proclamations of recognition for his leadership, community service, and work in the nonprofit sector from the United States Senate office of Senator Bernie Moreno, the Ohio General Assembly, State Representative Veronica Sims, U.S. Senator Jon Husted, and the office of U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes.
These recognitions reflect not only individual leadership, but the continued growth and community impact of Students With A Goal. As SWAG expands opportunities for Akron youth through academics, mentoring, skilled trades, career exploration, leadership development, and experiential learning, the organization continues to demonstrate what is possible when young people are surrounded by opportunity, resources, and a community committed to their success.
Make a Difference Today
Your generous contributions directly fund our after-school programs, providing the tools and mentorship Akron students need to succeed. Every dollar helps us reach our $40,000 goal.
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