Akron’s Community Learning Centers will be transformed into spaces for engagement with a recently announced Knight Foundation grant to the Akron Neighborhood Trust.  The $674,000 grant will train residents in a process called Deliberative Democracy, which will allow them to plan and implement needed services at the centers with input from many voices in the community.

We’re proud to take part in this effort to transform the community, and hope the news will spread quickly.

So far, the story has been picked up by the Akron Beacon Journal, which explained the initiative, saying, “Over the next three years, residents will set priorities and design action plans for programming and services to be offered in the Community Learning Center.”

Crystal Jones, who co-manages The Akron Neighborhood Trust with Susan Vogelsang, shared our excitement about the award, saying, “So many people have a heartfelt desire to do their part in making the new Community Learning Centers places of excellence for everyone.  Citizens are looking for opportunities to not only be served by, but also be of service to the centers.”

The grant is part of Knight’s effort to create an informed and engaged Akron by supporting neighborhood leadership.  Learn more about Knight’s focus on communities at www.knightfoundation.org.