Essential Experiences℠ Partnership Renewed: GAR Foundation, Akron Public Schools, and Seven Akron-Area Arts & Culture Institutions Deepen Collaborative Learning Initiative
GAR Foundation and Akron Public Schools (APS) are proud to announce the three-year renewal of Essential Experiences℠, a transformational co-curricular learning initiative developed in collaboration with seven Greater Akron arts and culture organizations.
Since launching in 2019, Essential Experiences℠ has guaranteed that every PreK through 5th grade APS scholar can participate in a high-quality, curriculum-based learning experience outside the classroom designed to deepen inquiry, build community connections, and spark the joy of learning. The initiative immerses more than 9,000 APS scholars annually into some of Akron’s most treasured arts and culture institutions.
“We believe that every child deserves memorable, formative learning experiences beyond their classroom walls,” said Christine Amer Mayer, president of GAR Foundation. “Essential Experiences is a distinctive program for Akron Public Schools, providing exactly that type of powerful learning.”
The renewed $2.5 million in funding supports Phase 3 (2025–2028) of the program and brings GAR’s total investment in Essential Experiences℠ to nearly $6 million. Akron Public Schools provides dedicated staff, transportation, and lunches for scholars as part of this partnership.
The host partners for Phase 3 include: ArtSparks, Akron Children’s Museum, Akron Zoo, Cuyahoga Valley National Park/Conservancy for CVNP, Akron Art Museum, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, and Weathervane Playhouse, which joins the initiative this year as the new third grade experience provider.
“We’re energized by the commitment our partners have made to providing scholars with a deeply meaningful experience,” said Laura DiCola, GAR Foundation’s senior program officer for education. “We are especially excited to welcome Weathervane Playhouse as our new third grade partner. Their creative programming fills an identified gap for a theater-based experience—and they are doing it in a way that cleverly introduces elementary students to polymers, the industry of Akron’s future.”
Each experience is thoughtfully designed with clear learning objectives aligned to Ohio’s age- and grade-appropriate standards. They reinforce classroom instruction, deepen scholars’ connections to their community, introduce potential career paths, and support the development of APS’s Portrait of an Elementary Scholar skills and competencies. Pre- and post-visit lessons further enrich the learning, ensuring each experience is a meaningful and integrated part of the curriculum.
"The renewal of Essential Experiences is a testament to the incredible power of partnership and a profound investment in the future of our scholars," said APS Superintendent Mary Outley. "These immersive, hands-on learning opportunities extend the classroom walls, spark curiosity, and connect our children to the rich cultural tapestry of Akron. They are vital for fostering well-rounded scholars, building community ties, and ensuring every APS scholar gains the experiences needed to thrive."
Essential Experiences℠ is a unique model for what’s possible when philanthropy, public education, and arts and culture organizations collaborate with a shared vision to enrich scholar learning, foster belonging, and create access for all.
For more information, visit www.garfoundation.org/ee.
Essential Experiences℠ by Grade Level:
PreK
ArtSparks
“Ready, Spark, Kindergarten”
“Ready, Spark, Kindergarten” is a 15-week music program that joyfully fosters kindergarten readiness skills through rhyming and dance. All PreK scholars meet with an instructor weekly inside their classroom. This experience culminates in an energetic live showcase with parent and community audiences.
Kindergarten
Akron Children’s Museum
“Explore Galore with Monsters and More!”
This program allows all kindergarten scholars to spend the day on-site at the Akron Children’s Museum predicting, estimating, counting, sorting, and more through playful discovery and problem solving.
1st Grade
Akron Zoo
“Animal Encounters”
In this two-part “Animal Encounters” experience with the Akron Zoo, all scholars participate in a guided tour of the Zoo where scholars observe habitats and identify how those habitats support living things. In part two, the Akron Zoo’s ZooMobile visits scholars in their classrooms where they will interact with animals to understand what living things need to survive.
2nd Grade
Cuyahoga Valley National Park / Conservancy for CVNP
“Junior Rangers: Ecosystem Explorers!”
Scholars spend the day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, exploring the natural world around them. They practice observation skills while investigating a pond and forest ecosystem. Scholars “think like a scientist” through exploration activities centered around making observations, asking questions about our observations, and making personal connections.
3rd Grade
Weathervane Playhouse
“Once Upon a Polymer”
Scholars explore how creativity and polymers come together to create powerful storytelling experiences on stage - through props, lighting, movement, costumes, wigs, make-up, and more. Engaging interactive sessions allow scholars to step into the spotlight and go behind-the-scenes as they see what it takes to bring a story to life in a theatrical production.
4th Grade
Akron Art Museum
“Artist as Inventor”
Each fourth grade scholar visits the Akron Art Museum to discover the role of “Artist as Inventor." Scholars become both artists and inventors, as they find new ways of seeing the world, new ways of using materials, and new ways of solving problems through both a gallery and studio experience.
5th Grade
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
“Akron: City of Opportunity”
Fifth grade scholars advance their history skills by visiting Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens and experiencing “Akron: City of Opportunity” from the organization’s past by exploring the trades, crafts, and careers of 1920s immigrant or migrant workers. Scholars then apply their knowledge to modern-day Akron opportunities.
